Heather Anne Lomax – Who Do You Think You Are
Bordering on but not quite in the vocal realm of Genya Ravan (Ten-Wheel Drive’s “Morning Much Better”) & other muscular female vocalists with a bluesy tinge, Heather Anne Lomax has a good, reliable presentation. What she lacks is a bit of the intense bluesy soul of those old belters. Nevertheless, some tunes do have sufficient flickers of excitement. “Ridgefield Dreams,” “Places Unknown,” & “Right On Through” have good circuity & superb playing. Ms. Lomax has a presence commanding her material.
Originally from Los Angeles, the now Las Vegas-based Ms. Lomax elevates herself in the most entertaining rocker “Finally Leavin’” where her vocals are sharp & distinguished. In “Places Unknown,” she had some Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) style intonation & tone. She didn’t sound like Chrissie; she just had the Hynde approach. There are 11 persuasive tunes on Who Do You Think You Are (Drops August 28/November Phoenix/38:38) produced by Zachary Ross (electric/acoustic/12-string guitars/bgv) with Heather (lead & bgv/acoustic & 12-string guitars).
There are moments when Heather touches down in a Christine Ohlman manner (“The Deep End”) & that’s quite a torrent (“Step Aside”). She’s got the chops, an affecting manner, & what’s wonderful is the lack of ornamentation. She doesn’t need it. She could be as compelling as Bonnie Bramlett or as diversified as Wynonna Judd, but not as country-oriented — because her powerful, authoritative voice does have that Judd-like lyrical endeavor frying in her songs as required. But the songs aren’t as prominent as theirs, yet.
Whereas “Superstar” is a bloated term nowadays, the song is soulful enough but could have been redirected toward a better-written & exciting composition. The line “who do you think you are…” (the name of the LP) is a perfect hook for a better, bigger piece since there’s no song specifically called that. Why not? Producer, where were you?
There are enough good performances on this to recommend it. The best are in the middle ground of the LP. A hefty, well-played piece, “Pluto Return,” is a tight, upbeat, well-sung & sultry production. Acoustic guitars webbed between the circuitry of the electric guitars & Hammond organ swirl – well done. Ms. Lomax also has a good image on the front of her album. It reflects the music perfectly. Attitude, strength & a challenging stare.
Highlights – “Step Aside,” “Ridgefield Dreams,” “Places Unknown,” “Right On Through,” “Finally Leavin,’” “Blood Red,” & “Pluto Return.”
Musicians – Jason Hiller (bass), Ty Bailie, Jerry Borge & Carey Frank (Hammond organ/electric & acoustic pianos/mellotron/combo organ), Rob Humphreys, David Goodstein, Jamie Douglas & Jordan West (drums/percussion), Fuzzbee Morse (flute) & Lily Elise & Mary Scholz (bgv).
CD @ https://heatherlomaxmusic.com/product/1319853-who-do-you-think-you-are-cd
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/2026/06/03/song-premiere-heather-anne-lomax-come-along/