Vanessa Collier

Singer/songwriter Vanessa Collier’s sixth album Do It My Own Way comes out September 13 via Phenix Fire Records. Recorded on analog gear with the musicians largely in one room, Do It My Own Way is sonically inspired by the classic Memphis soul sound of Stax and Hi Records, especially that of the Staples Singers. Second single “Wild As a Rainstorm,” which dives deep into soul territory, powerfully gives advice to women and people who feel left out to ignore the naysayers and “Be a tapestry of dreams.” The track been added to Spotify’s official Retro Soul playlist. The groove and horns would make Willie Mitchell proud, and indeed features legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges. The vocals are powerful, awe-inspiring, and undeniably soulful vocals.

Jamie Baum: These Are Her Times

by Dean Nardi
August 25, 2025

Jamie Baum is a world-class composer as well as flutist, who smoothly balances woodwinds with horns, guitar, bass, piano and drums so that they are equals. Her compositions can remind you of a Gil Evans arrangement with several decades of development added to create a thoroughly modern milieu. She mixes high-energy with ballads and Western foundations ...

Take Five with Saxophonist/Singer/Guitarist Vanessa Collier

by AAJ Staff
April 22, 2025

Meet Vanessa Collier Vanessa Collier's sixth album Do It My Own Way was recently released on Phenix Fire Records. Recorded on analog gear with the musicians largely in one room, Do It My Own Way is sonically inspired by the classic Memphis soul sound of Stax and Hi Records, especially that of the Staples Singers. The ...

Do It My Own Way

By Vanessa Collier

Label: Phenix Fire Records
Released: 2024
Track listing: Elbow Grease; Do It My Own Way; Take Me Back; Wild As a Rainstorm; Shoulda Known Better; Just One More; Rosetta; Warrior

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2023

by Walter Atkins
November 1, 2023

C��sar Ch��vez Square San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2023 San Jose, CA August 11-13 2023 This year's 2023 edition of the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest was a magnificent presentation of different musical genres, ranging from local to international artists. Each day of SJZSF 2023 offered a robust and extensively varied ...

CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival Is Back June 17-25! Lineup Announced, Headliner Shows All Free!

March 17, 2022

325 Shows �C 1750+ Artists �C 20 Venues �C Record Number of Free Shows �C Limited Number of Club Passes Now On Sale The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival is back! After a two-year hiatus due to the global coronavirus pandemic, Producers John Nugent and Marc Iacona today announced the lineup for the long-awaited 2022 nine-day ...

Heart On The Line

By Vanessa Collier

Label: Self Produced
Released: 2020
Track listing: Super Bad; What Makes You Beautiful; Bloodhound; I Don't Want Anything To Change; Leave Your Hat On; Take A Chance On Me; If Only; Weep And Moan; Who's In Power?; Freshly Squozen; Heart On The Line.

Honey Up

By Vanessa Collier

Label: Self Produced
Released: 2018
Track listing: Sweatin' Like A Pig, Singin' Like An Angel; Don't Nobody Got Time To Waste; Honey Up; Percolatin'; Icarus; The Fault Line; Bless Your Heart; You're A Pill; You Get What You Get; Love Me Like A Man.

Meeting My Shadow

By Vanessa Collier

Label: Ruf Records
Released: 2017
Track listing: Poisoned The Well; Dig A Little Deeper; When It Don��t Come Easy; Two Parts Sugar, One Part Lime; When Love Comes To Town; You��re Gonna Make Me Cry; Whiskey And Women; Meet Me Where I��m At; Cry Out; Up Above My Head, I Hear Music In The Air; Devil��s On The Downside.

Vanessa Collier: Meeting My Shadow

by James Nadal
July 22, 2017

During the golden age of rhythm and blues, the saxophonist, who often doubled on vocals, was the leader of the band, and the star of the show. Fast forward, and we find Vanessa Collier who is all of the above, and also a genuine quadruple threat. With an honored degree from Berklee, and having spent several ...