Blues artist Vaneese Thomas gives us an action-packed seven-song, 24-minute album, “Stories In Blue.” “Do Y’all” asks listeners where the blues comes from. Thomas talks about blues coming from the Delta and moving to the regions of Memphis and up north to Chicago. “When You Were My Man” highlights a woman who was happy but when darkness came, the love between her and her partner fell apart. “Wandering” graces us with the wondrous voice of Thomas on a journey not knowing where to go, lost in the blues. Outstanding vocals are also paired with a saxophone solo that appears halfway through the song and later joined together to create the perfect melody. “1917” is a jazzy number that gives a nod to her father Rufus Thomas who was born in 1917. Given an old-school feel, Thomas joins brass to create a sense of the Delta with a classic feel that includes a short scat performance, prominent in jazz in the mid to late 20s. “The Last Thing On My Mind” is a steady song about a woman being wronged and thrown for a loop. “7 Miles From Home” highlights the need to go back home and rest her soul. The final song of her album, “End Of The Road” uses handclaps as the rhythm followed by a gospel piece throughout that gives this song a unique feel from the rest of the album. Thomas however, is still the highlight with her vocals and lyrics mentioning the sight of paradise at the end of the road.

As a whole “Stories In Blue” is a winner, with Thomas making a statement that her vocals have no limits. The use of instruments and other forms of rhythm to further enhance the listening experience was never short of spectacular. 

Rating: 8.5/10

Highlights: #1 Do Y’all

#3 Wandering

#4 1917

#7 End Of The Road

RIYL: Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Robert Johnson, Etta James