ABOUT THE EVENT
Thursday, November 12, 2026
1902 Theatre at 7:30 PM
Singer/songwriter Vanessa Collier’s sixth album Do It My Own Way was released 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.
Collier takes on multiple roles, writing the songs, producing the album, arranging horns and all instrumental and vocal parts, playing acoustic and electric guitars and alto and tenor saxophones, flute, as well as singing the lead and background vocals. Also on the album are legendary Hi Records organ player Rev. Charles Hodges (Al Green, Bettye LaVette, Ann Peebles, Alex Chilton, Robert Cray); and frequent Collier collaborators Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Laura Chavez; bassist Scott Sutherland; and Byron Cage.
The songwriter/bandleader made her Chicago Blues Festival debut this year, in front of tens of thousands. Best known in the blues world – she’s a fifteen-time Blues Music Award nominee and five-time winner, including nominations for the monumental Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year, Horn Player of the Year, B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, and Contemporary Blues Album of the Year for “Do It My Own Way”. Do It My Own Way finds her influenced by soul artists like Mavis Staples, Sharon Jones, James Brown, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Aretha Franklin.
Get tickets now: Orion Communities Presents Music For Everyone: Vanessa Collier » The Colonial Theatre
(610) 917-1228
