Vanessa Collier – “Wild As A Rainstorm”
Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of Vanessa Collier’s song “Wild As A Rainstorm” from her forthcoming album Do It My Own Way, which is set for release on September 13. Do It My Own Way was produced by Vanessa; engineered by Mark Wessel with assistant engineer Jon Tan; and mixed and mastered by Richard Mendelson. The album was recorded at Hearst Studios in Camden, Maine. with addiction recording at Memphis Magnetic Recording Co in Memphis by Scott McEwen and additional engineering by Vanessa at Studio 33.
“Wild As A Rainstorm” is Vanessa Collier on vocals, background vocals, alto and tenor saxes; Laura Chavez on guitar; Scot Sutherland on bass; Byron Cage on drums; Reverend Charles Hodges on Hammond organ; Doug Woolverton on trumpet; and Trey Macias on percussion. Vanessa’s vocal delivery is instinctive and right on the mark every time. With advice to “be the tapestry of your dreams,” Vanessa rocks away obstacles and fears, and in the midst, all seems possible, thanks to the imagery and the flute and trumpet blend and her own rich sax melodies.
“Wild As A Rainstorm” is a love letter to the next generation (particularly my little sisters) who feel out of place in the current world and who contemplate trying to fit in to make the present moment “easier.” It’s hard to fight the status quo, especially in the age of social media, but fitting in with everyone else just doesn’t feel right. There is a gentleness to the message, cushioned by the flute/harmon mute trumpet and saxophone parts, meant to curl about the listeners’ ear and feel the beauty of just being “you.” I wrote my own experience in this song – being quiet, but aware of my own boundaries well enough so as not to cave to peer pressure, although that was not very easy at first. I’m hoping that this song, my journey might inspire another to choose to take their own path when repeatedly arriving at the forks in the road. I hope for the next generation to be daring and unafraid of making mistakes, and to just be “wild as a rainstorm,” which is exemplified by the powerful, awe-inspiring, and undeniable vocals of this track. – Vanessa Collier
Find the music and more information on her website here: https://www.vanessacollier.com
