[Cover photo credit to Jeff Fasano]
Saxophonist, songwriter, bandleader, and guitarist Vanessa Collier has shared new track “Wild as a Rainstorm” from her sixth album Do It My Own Way, out September 13, 2024 via Phenix Fire Records. Recorded on analog gear with the musicians largely in one room, Do It My Own Way is inspired by the classic Memphis Soul sound of Stax and Hi Records, especially that of The Staples Singers. The new song also features Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges.
Best known in the Blues world, Collier is a twelve-time Blues Music Award nominee and four-time winner.
Of the single, Collier says:
’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. 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 and my journey to recognize my own personal power might inspire another to choose to take their own path when repeatedly arriving at 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.’
Talking about the album, Collier adds:
It’s a warmer and darker sounding a record, recorded intentionally to reflect a throwback to older school soul, R&B, blues, and to the days of great songs and songwriters, tube amps and analog gear.
On the upcoming album are not only Hi Records organ player Rev. Charles Hodges (Al Green, Bettye LaVette, Ann Peebles, Alex Chilton, Robert Cray), but also frequent Collier collaborators Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Laura Chavez (Sue Foley, Mike Ledbetter & Monster Mike Welch);, and bassist Scott Sutherland (Elvin Bishop) and Byron Cage (Otis Taylor).
Vanessa Collier Tour Dates
July 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival
July 29 – Reno, NV – Artown
August 1 & 2 – Notodden, Norway – Notodden Blues Festival
August 3 – Haapsalu, Estonia – Augustibluus
August 9 – Athens, NY – Athens Summer Concert Series
August 10 – Duluth, MN – Bayfront Festival Park
August 16 – Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Blues Festival
August 18 – Thornton, NH – White Mountain Boogie ‘N Blues Festival
August 24 – Fall River, MA – Take Me To The River
September 6 – Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest Café
September 7 – Phoenixville, PA – Phoenixville Blues Festival
September 8 – Annapolis, MD – Rams Head Onstage
September 9-10 – Lima, NY – Fanatics Pub
September 11 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
September 13 – Westland, MI – Token Lounge
September 14 – Oaktoberfest – Oak Park, IL
September 15 – Forest Park, IL – Robert’s Westside
October 9 – Washington, D.C. – The Hamilton
October 10 – Caffe Lena – Saratoga Springs, NY
October 12 – Natick Arts Center – Natick, MA
October 13 – North Haven, CT – Small Batch Cellars
October 15-18 – Syracuse, NY – 443 Social Club & Lounge
October 19 – Hagerstown, MD – Hub City Vinyl
October 20 – Durham, NC – The Blue Note Grill
October 22 – Asheville, NC – The Grey Eagle
October 23 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
October 26 – November 2 – Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
November 16 – Bonita Springs – Bonita Performing Arts Center
November 17 – Boca Raton, FL – Boca Blues Festival
November 21 – Richmond, VA – Tin Pan
November 22 – Reading, PA – Reading Blues Fest
December 6 – St. Augustine, FL – Café Eleven
December 7 – Lakewood Ranch, FL – Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival
February 15 – Vero Beach Blues Festival – Vero Beach, FL
