Life Is Like A Song
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
The stunning debut from the jazz vocalist Vanessa Thomas, she brings along Roger Wilder, Eric Hitt, John Kizilarmut, Matt Otto and Clint Ashlock for these 11 well thought out standards.
“Cheek To Cheek” begins the listen with Wilder’s warm piano complementing Thomas’ soaring and powerful voice, and “At Last” follows with more emphasis on Kizilarmut’s agile drumming and Otto’s tenor sax for the lush and soulful delivery.
Further along, the upbeat and dance floor ready “Everyday I Have The Blues” spotlights Ashlock’s flowing trumpet, while “Come Sunday” is an intimate and poetic moment that showcases Thomas’ expressive singing.
Close to the end, the cautious “I Let A Song Go Out To My Heart” benefits much from Hitt’s well timed bass, as the setting gets a bit friskier, and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” finishes with the precise rhythm section and lively keys amid the impressive range from Thomas.
An excellent first outing for a voice that all fans of jazz should be acquainted with, Thomas and company truly make all these songs their own.
Travels well with: Monika Ryan- Playfully; Grace McNally- Full Circle