Do It My Own Way
Phenix, 2024
9/10
The Philadelphia soul singer and multi-instrumentalist Vanessa Collier brings along an excellent cast for these 8 rich and powerful songs.
The upbeat and rhythmic “Elbow Grease” opens with Byron Cage’s thumping drums and Doug Woolverton’s lively trumpet complementing Collier’s soulful voice, and “Do It My Own Way” follows with a hint of ruggedness amid the thick guitar from Laura Chavez and Scot Sutherland’s agile bass.
“Wild As A Rainstorm” and “Shoulda Known Better” land in the middle. The former carries a bright tone via soothing backing vocals as Collier hits some high notes, while the latter is an animated album highlight that’s textured with funk and jazz flavor.
Close to the end, “Rosetta” isn’t short on gospel influences thanks to the joyous and uplifting mood, and “Warrior” exits with a gentle intimacy that recruits cozy guitar and builds into a soaring and emotive finish.
Collier handles alto and tenor sax, slide guitar, flute, resonator guitar and, of course, vocals, and her esteemed help sure do make for a groove friendly, old school fueled and bluesy, R&B masterpiece that you’ll revisit repeatedly.
Travels well with: Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman- Lady Of The Lake; Jonah Tolchin- Dockside