Richard Thomas - Listen

Vocalist Rhonda Thomas continues sharing her unique styling, her definitive sultry voice and her dynamic songwriting with the summer 2010 release of "Listen". For those music lovers who are already familiar with Rhonda's "Guess Who I Saw Today", "Breathe New Life" and her DVD, "Rhonda Thomas: Live at Centennial Park" this new offering is highly anticipated. Rhonda Thomas was a featured soloist and background vocalist for Isaac Hayes for 11 years before his untimely passing. Rhonda served in that capacity while remaining extremely focused on elevating her solo musical career. Issac Hayes wholeheartedly supported Rhonda's desire to spread her wings musically. He commented, "Her voice has a wide range. She has the quality, vocal timbre and vibrato of Denise Williams when she goes high. There are a lot of vocal sounds in this young woman. Jazz-wise she can scat too!" Additionally, in Isaac Hayes' review of "Breathe New Life" he further expressed, "WOW, a human voice singing songs of substance... Hats off to production, musicianship, arrangement, vocals and don't miss the lyrics, it's a breath of fresh air." A resident of Atlanta, GA who performs nationally and internationally, Rhonda's natural talent, professional drive, and amazing charisma have landed her in the presence of greatness many times and has opened numerous doors for her. She has performed or shared the stage with Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, Roy Ayers, and Sam Moore (of the legendary duo Sam and Dave) just to name a few. With her enchanting voice, Rhonda has stamped her name on the hearts of all that have witnessed her singing live. From bringing the roof down in Atlanta's Tabernacle when she sang with Incognito's powerhouse lead-singer Maysa Leak, to winning multiple awards in Harlem's Apollo Theater, to the 1996 Olympic Games crowds have fallen under the powerful spell of Rhonda's bold vocal styling. Rhonda's talents were also experienced by listeners on the other side of the globe. Her 2007 UK "Breathe New Life" Tour was met with glowing reviews. Rhonda was also asked to compose a song for Antigua-Barbuda's Travel and Tourism "365 Beaches". Her boundless energy on stage enchants crowds as her voice exudes power and passion executed with precision. She hails from the Atlanta underground soul scene having performed with renowned artist India.Arie, Donnie (Motown), and is a member of the soul bossa group, Jiva. She wears her influences like an elegant gown draped with the improvisational skill and vocal acrobatics of Sarah Vaughn and Al Jarreau, and the depth and emotional effectiveness of Phyllis Hyman and Chaka Khan. Rhonda's vocal talents and songwriting have been highlighted on The Michael Baisden Show, NPR, Good Day Atlanta, JazzTimes Magazine, and Radioscope with Lee Bailey. Isaac Hayes wholeheartedly supports Rhonda's desire to spread her wings musically. He comments, "Her voice has a wide range. She has the quality, vocal timbre and vibrato of Denise Williams when she goes high. There are a lot of vocal sounds in this young woman. Jazz-wise she can scat too!" Rhonda says: "I am blessed to be able to create music and lyrics from my heart and have it so well received. It's humbling and rewarding to have listeners tell me that they were positively affected and could directly relate to my words. I call my style Soul-Jazz because I was greatly influenced by those forms of music. Music is such a pure art form that has been exploited by many. I pride myself on being in the company of some very talented artists that share in my vision of keeping "real" music alive. I enjoy various vocal harmonies, rhythms, and chord changes that evoke a certain feeling while challenging the listener's musical ear. I was blessed to be surrounded by all kinds of music my whole life. I was influenced by my father's R&B/Funk band, the jazz my mother played, the soul music on the radio, and the hip hop from the streets. Most importantly, I've been touched by the gospel in church on Sundays. Some might see my CD as eclectic but it's really a culmination of all of these influences."