Take Five with Saxophonist/Singer/Guitarist Vanessa Collier

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 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.

Talking about the album, Collier adds, "It's a warmer and darker sounding 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." Do It My Own Way takes listeners back to the heyday of music with Memphis soul-influenced horn arrangements, layers of vocals for color, with poignant and powerful saxophone solos that deliver a quietly powerful undercurrent to each song and the album as a whole. Minor key Americana/noir "Take Me Back" served as the first single. The album kicks off with the funk workout "Elbow Grease." On an album full of incredible grooves, "Shoulda Known Better" stands out while "Just One More" sways to a rhumba beat.

Instruments:

Vocals, saxophone, guitar.

Teachers and/or influences?

I was honored to study under the great Chris Vadala for about seven years. Mr. V was the saxophonist and woodwind artist with Chuck Mangione for 20+ years; the head of jazz studies at the University of Maryland; first call for the NSO; and first call for people touring through the DC metro area, so he played with B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and more. He was an incredible teacher who gave me not only a great foundation on the instrument, but he was one of those rare teachers that instilled in me an absolutely pure love of the saxophone. Lessons with him covered all genres: funk, soul, R&B, blues, jazz, classical saxophone repertoire, and even flute and clarinet techniques, and I always left with a huge grin on my face!

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

...I had a lesson with Chris Vadala in the 6th grade. I had no idea you could make a career playing music until that moment. To see him play and teach and be successful inspired me to chase this path.

Your sound and approach to music.

Saxophone is so versatile so we play a lot of different styles: old school soul and R&B, funk, blues, and some New Orleans-influenced music with a lot of heart and energy. I approach music as organically as I can—I love real instruments, steady grooves, playing and singing from the pit of my soul, giving the audience every ounce of energy I have, and taking the audience on a journey. I love songwriting as well and I love to share the stories behind the songs on live sets, most of which have the saxophone as a major part of the song.

Your dream band

I think James Gadson, Clyde Stubblefield, or Jano Rix on drums; Cornell Williams, George Porter Jr. , James Jamerson, or Pino Palladino on bass; Kofi Burbridge on organ and keys; Laura Chavez and Sean Costello on guitar; and then some killin' background vocalists and horn section players—my vocal coach and friend, Maureen Murphy and my other friend Doug Woolverton on trumpet. I would've loved to have worked with Freddie King and Prince too—it's so hard to choose!

Road story: Your best or worst experience

One of my favorite stories is from opening up for Blues Traveler at The Ryman in Nashville in 2023. We had a short 30-minute set or so, but we got a standing ovation and it was just so overwhelming to be in such an iconic place that has seen so much amazing music grace the stage, and to be received so well by the audience.

Favorite venue

I think I don't have a favorite venue, I keep returning back to the ones that I really love. But, one of the coolest venues I played recently (also opening for Blues Traveler) was Pier 17 in New York City. The stage is right on the water and so your backdrop behind the stage is the Brooklyn Bridge all lit up, and then on the opposite side is the Statue of Liberty—it's gorgeous. Amazing festival vibes at an outdoor venue.

Your favorite recording in your discography and why?

Do It My Own Way is my favorite right now because I think it has some of my best songwriting and it's a slightly different record than all the rest. I've spent 10 years honing my stagecraft and artistry and this is a good snapshot of the work that I've put in. Do It My Own Way is how I've approached my career—DIY and every decision is mine to make, which is rare in this industry to be able to do as an artist. It's rarer still as a woman to produce your record and maintain control over how you are marketed. But, that's important to me to be able to express myself without it passing through any gates of the industry.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?

I think I deliver soulful, uplifting music driven by saxophone that gives people hope and leaves them feeling better than where they started. People feel heard and understood and it's not based on aligning our views, but seeing each other as people above all else. I aim to unite people from all backgrounds and beliefs through music and to stand as a self-made woman in an industry that is still quite antiquated.

Did you know...

I was an avid basketball player and was being recruited to play D-I basketball in college.

The first jazz album I bought was:

Phenix by Cannonball Adderley.

Music you are listening to now:

Howard Tate: Howard Tate (Atlantic)
Moses Sumney: Sophcore (TUNTUM Records)
The Wood Brothers: The Muse (Indirecto Records)
John Hammond: Wicked Grin (Virgin Records)
Bombino: Nomad (Nonesuch Records)

Desert Island picks:

Cannonball Adderley Quintet: Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Live) (Capitol Records)
Moses Sumney: Sophcore (TUNTUM Records)
The Wood Brothers: The Muse (Indirecto Records)
Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley: Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley (Capitol Records)
The Highwomen: The Highwomen (Elektra Records)

How would you describe the state of jazz today?

I feel like there are some great musicians, especially in the undercurrents, making great music that comes straight from the soul and is super intentional in the message and the musicianship. And I love that there are more platforms to get your music out there and make a statement without having a major label backing you.

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?

I always point to Gary Clark, Jr. career and toTrombone Shorty's career because they attract audiences of all backgrounds and ages—they pay homage to the roots of the music, but they also play and merge their own musical influences to create raucous, engaging, and funky music. I think it's essential to let blues and jazz or any kind of music grow into its various offshoots. Music is a living, breathing thing and so it's going to sway back and forth with the times and grow and change if we allow it and embrace it. I think teaching the history of the music is also super important—blues and jazz has always been intentional music with a message and I think it's important to share that the need for full expression in music came from oppressed people as an outcry. To me, blues and jazz aren't meant to be played with the analytical brain, but the deepest parts of our being.

What is in the near future?

I am about to embark on a five-week cross country tour to support my new record Do It My Own Way, which will take us to Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Colorado, Nebraska, and Missouri before we hit Paris and Germany. Super cool!

What is your greatest fear when you perform?

Usually not connecting with the audience as well as I could have. I've blanked out my own words enough times that it's just part of the journey sometimes and I just laugh it off.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

"Big Chief" by Professor Longhair or played by some amazing New Orleans band.

What is your favorite song to whistle or sing in the shower?

This changes daily, but I love "Well, Well, Well" which Bonnie Raitt and Ben Harper performed on Bonnie Raitt's Live with Friends record.

If I could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be and why?

I think it'd be Daryl Davis. I am such a huge fan of him—he played piano for Little Richard and his views on activism inspire me. He's focused on getting people belonging to hate groups to see the humanity in the "other" people not like themselves. And it's all through continued conversation with a peaceful approach. I fear our biggest problem as a country is that we aren't willing to sit down and listen to an argument that is opposite our own view, but that's the beauty of debate and of living in a diverse world. A logical argument leaves us with no choice but to reexamine your thoughts, beliefs, and actions and I think that's a good thing to have your thoughts and beliefs challenged every now and again. The world is constantly changing and the story lines we are told are often biased, but from traveling the world I find we are much more alike than we are different. Daryl Davis is uniting people.

If I could go back in time and relive an experience, what would it be?

Freddie King live in the 1970s or seeing Prince live at any point in his career!

What's the song or piece of music you wish you could hear again for the first time?

I had a school trip in college to Nashville and we went to the Grand Ole Opry where Vince Gill was the guest of the night. After the show, he talked and played songs in a solo acoustic setting and played this song called "Threaten Me With Heaven." It's on a record Vince Gill put out, but nothing compares to that solo acoustic performance backstage at the Grand Ole Opry.

If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with the time?

I would hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail with my dogs and grow a big garden of food in my backyard!

Comments