“If you haven’t yet hopped on-board the Vanessa Collier bandwagon, now’s the time to do it. This young singer/songwriter/saxophonist is going to be a star. If not for the pandemic, perhaps she’d already be there. The Philadelphia native expands her horizons on this latest CD, Heart On The Line. A version of Randy Newman’s “Leave Your Hat On” is another gem among the 11 cuts, this rendition being funkier than the original, thanks especially to Chavez’s wah-wah effects on guitar and Collier’s commanding vocals. The funky “Who’s In Power?” is basically a showcase for Collier to display her immense talents on the sax, followed by the slow, jazzy soulful blues, “Freshly Squozen,” talking about a mother dealing with her misbehaving child but still loving the little one. I’ve been waiting for one of the big blues labels to latch on to Vanessa Collier, but on the other hand I’m fine with what we are getting from this star in the making. Each of her four albums are outstanding, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. My recommendation would be to pick up all of them. You can thank me later.” (October 2020’s “Pick Hit”)
“Heart on the Line is Collier’s fourth album, and it makes clear why she has won the admiration not only of Joe Louis Walker, but also of Buddy Guy, who referred to her as “amazing”. She tells a good story and plays with a good deal of energy, whether she’s playing soul or blues. On top of that, she adds vocals that are both strong and smooth. This is not only a showcase for excellent musicians, but also the soundtrack to a good time.”
“On Heart on the Line, Collier’s sax playing is beautifully smooth and mercurial, timed to perfection on her brief solo, utilized powerfully elsewhere to push and lift. Throughout this set, Collier’s band are dynamic, sympathetic and inventive. Heart on the Line is not only the product of a worthy, committed individual, it is a fine blues-rock album which you should definitely check out.“
“Heart on the Line features Collier’s sax playing, beautifully smooth and mercurial, timed to perfection on her brief solo, utilized powerfully elsewhere to push and lift. Collier gives much to the blues, not only via her music, but also through clinics which she runs as part of the “Blues in the Schools” project. Heart on the Line is not only the product of a worthy, committed individual, it is a fine blues-rock album which you should definitely check out.“
“Collier is a skillful songwriter. The first of the originals on Heart on the Line is the poignant “What Makes You Beautiful”; the production featuring backing vocals resembling a “girl group”. On “Bloodhound” Collier forgoes her saxes and gets into a swamp-like trance while playing on a Resonator guitar. “Freshly Squozen” is a funky bit of fun, about Collier’s love for her younger siblings as she sings “squeeze you like a tube of toothpaste”. Collier’s music and spirit are a joy.“
“There is something about Heart on the Line that is deeply warming and satisfying. The playing is superb, the songwriting is excellent but the core is a sense that she is making music for her own pleasure as much as her listeners. She also does moody to incredible effect on ‘Weep And Moan’, probably my favourite track, which just hits all the buttons – a powerful downbeat rhythm, wailing keys, a superb guitar solo (Laura Chavez) and a sleazy sax line that is just perfect. Clearly her best so far, a very listenable album.”
” I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Heart On The Line, from Vanessa Collier, and it’s quite good. Opening with James Brown’s, Super Bad, Collier is off to a strong start morphing a quick tempo driver into a slow, funky instant hit. This track has it all, with movement, great vocal, a great bottom, and saxy solo by Collier. Backed by Nick Stevens on drums, Scott Sutherland on bass, Laura Chavez on guitar, William Gorman on keys, Quinn Carson on Trombone, Doug Woolverton on trumpet, this track is hot! Her best release yet.”
“As a saxophonist, she is one of the best working today. Her music is rooted in the blues, but also incorporates some jazz and pop. Heart On The Line. Collier’s third release, shows she has settled into a comfortable groove that combines passion and smoothness into a nice blues mix. Listening to Heart On The Line is a good way to spend some time.”
“Heart on the Line is a soulful and romantically robust blues-influenced album with a definitive and confident feminine appeal. This is definitely for those that enjoy music with powerful female lead vocals and music that touches the soul. Vanessa’s voice is astounding, warm and vibrant, it connects with you and keeps you in the zone, on top of that, her talents with her instrument is above par, she plays masterfully and combines her twin talents without equal.”
“Well, consider me blown away. Heart On The Line, Vanessa’s 4th album, is a soulful explosion of muscular funk ‘n’ blues and heartfelt stories. I’ve been trying real hard in recent months to not get too gushy and hand out 5 star reviews unless absolutely called for, but in the case I was left with no choice. ‘Spectacular’ is an understatement for this. For an album to be judged ‘perfect’ the stars have to line up and an awful lot of things have to go just right, and that is exactly what has happened here. Heart On The Line is perfect.”
dougdeutschPR