Vaneese Thomas – Window To My Soul
No matter how great a singer is, there’s always an instinctive throwback to someone who came before. However, when those singers are people like Mavis Staples, that singer we’re addressing must have alchemy. And Memphis, Tennessee native Vaneese Thomas (now New York State-based) has that alchemy with her vocal intonation, phrasing, range & delivery.
There are 8 tunes to Window To My Soul (Drops Sept 25/Overton Music/32:29) produced by Wayne Warnecke & Ms. Thomas (vocals/keys). The lead tracks with smooth as silk horns “I Still Got the Blues,” & the pensive “Every Moment Is a Lifetime” are all crafted with a coolness considering Vanesse’s vocal & the band’s jump-blues tight approach. The showcase is tailored like an Italian suit. Bluesy, but has that lift that comes from gospel, old-world rhythm & blues of Gloria Lynne (“I Wish You Love”) & more contemporary past artists like Mary Welles (“My Guy”) & Timi Yuro (“Hurt” “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Live).
“I’m a Diamond” is easy listening. Vaneese has the collective exhilaration in her voice to reach into the song’s words & add a lifeline to each lyric. A masterful display of great vocals. There are forays into Muscle Shoals-type soulful numbers & Ms. Thomas manages to infuse the piece with intimacy; a soaring sax comes in on “Ain’t Gonna Be No One’s Fool” & it’s complimentary to her voice than mere musical coloring. Soulful & she avoids the pitfalls of bombastic vocalizing. Rather than impress with power, she’s expressive.
I’m not entirely certain where Vaneese would be in the ‘60s. Would Motown or Stax embrace her brand of blues, soul & rhythm & blues. I ask that because even in the start, Aretha Franklin didn’t fare well at Columbia Records. Atlantic & Jerry Wexler had to step in. But being an independent gives Vaneese more latitude to do as she pleases & control her musical destiny.
The most commercially viable piece is “Save Me” adorned in soulful playing, spiritual backup & Vaneese’s powerful, yet delicate vocal that could silence birds. The finale “Livin’ With a Lie” is a cleverly arranged 1940’s café society Billie Holiday swipe with a Benny Goodman-type clarinet & hot trumpet that bumps in like a gigolo. Great. “Window To My Soul” is one of the best albums of 2026 besides…
She’s an independent artist who recently was awarded Song of the Year for “Winter Blues” at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry.
Highlights – “I Still Got the Blues,” “Every Moment Is a Lifetime,” “I’m a Diamond,” “Ain’t Gonna Be No One’s Fool,” “Save Me” & “Livin’ With a Lie.”
Musicians – Dave Keyes (organ/piano), Paul Adamy (bass), Al Orlo (guitar), Ross Pederson (drums), Tim Ouimette (trumpet), Cliff Lyons (tenor sax), John Isley (baritone sax), Andy Drelles (clarinet), Rob Papadrozzi (harmonica), with Kati Mac, Angela Clemmons, Jason L. Terry & Emily Bendiger (background vocals.
Color image courtesy of Adam Kennedy. CD @ Discogs & https://vaneesethomas.com/