2022 – Blue Heart Records
By Phillip Smith; May 8, 2022
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
There was a definite magic in
the air when Vaneese Thomas recorded Fight the Good Fight at the famed
Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, a place once home to Hi Records
and the Hi Rhythm Section. The
album represents all which I love about Memphis music: the soulful melodies,
the funky intoxicating rhythms, the horns, the blues-soaked guitars, and the
swampy country detours. It’s no secret,
music runs deep in Thomas’ family, often referred to as Memphis’ “First
Family of Soul”. Her father being the legendary
Rufus Thomas, her sister, the “Memphis Queen” Carla Thomas, and
her brother the notable keyboardist Marvell Thomas. Fight the Good Fight features a dozen all-original
tracks, and according to Vaneese, “I feel like it’s some of the best
writing that I’ve ever done”.
With a blast of horns nestled in a bed of sweet southern soul, “Raise the Alarm” opens the album as a wake-up call to a crisis looming over the horizon. Thomas’s riveting vocals shine on “Rosalee”. Standout banjo accompaniment from Peter Calo and slide guitar from Tash Neal pull this wonderful song into a bluegrass setting. There’s a very cool Steely Dan vibe on the piano-driven “I’m Moving On” as it fuses several genres together. I love how Scott Sharrard absolutely tears it up on slide. I’m totally captivated with each listen of “’Til I See You Again”. This lush, outstanding song is filled to the brim with soul and beautifully performed. Thomas lets loose on country-rocker “He’s a Winner”. Peppered with harmonica from Corrin Huddleston, this track is a sweet and fun shoutout to her life partner Wayne Warnecke who co-produced the album with Thomas. Violinist Katie Jacoby makes a guest appearance on “Fight the Good Fight” infusing a more Nashville-leaning sound to this title-track with a message of hope and encouragement.
Thomas’ Fight the Good Fight is a thought-provoking and refreshing listen. I enjoyed it through and through.
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For more information about Vaneese Thomas, visit this
website : vaneesethomas.com
Vaneese Thomas - "Same Blood Same Bone" {Official Music Video}
