Thana Harris - Thanatopsis

THANA'S BIO Frank Zappa and Steve Vai alumnus Thana Harris presents her first solo album 'Thanatopsis.' Best known for her lead vocals on Zappa's 'Sleepdirt' album (the songs Flambay and Time Is Money, specifically), Thana proves again that she is in control in the role of lead vocalist. The album was produced by melodic rock band AXE member Bob Harris, and it boasts guest performances by rock guitarist icon Steve Vai; legendary guitarist/vocalist and founder of AXE, Bobby Barth; renowned bassist Stu Hamm; and original drummer of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, Jimmy Carl Black. The title track, "Thanatopsis," has a contemporary flash of Alanis Morissette in it's style of production while it is reminiscent of the female folk singers of the late 1960s, vocally and lyrically. "Planetary Tango" might remind us of the sensuous Sade, but Thana's vocal performance stands unquestionably on it's own. "Don't Try to Come," produced by Bobby Barth, is one of Thana's favorite tracks where we hear the bluesy-country influences of Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt. The album also features "Fingers," a song Thana and Bob recorded at Steve Vai's home studio when Vai was putting together his first solo album 'Flex-Able.' The Harrises were Vai's roommates and so the three appeared on each other's recordings. Vai spent hours creating and recording the backwards guitar solo that graces this song, placing it in a historic and memorable frame. "Time Gained," written by Bob Harris (as are most of the album's songs), is a heavy vocal production featuring thick layers of background vocals performed by Bob and Thana. "White Bird" by It's A Beautiful Day has been a longstanding favorite of Thana's and she decided that Thanatopsis was the perfect environment for the inclusion of this iconic hit of the '60s. Finally, Thana seized the opportunity to do a skit with Jimmy Carl Black based on JC's well known reputation as Frank Zappa's character, "the Indian of the group" who bellowed "Where's my waitress?!" The result is a tête-à-tête between the two as Bart and Claire. The skit segways into an outcome, "The Cactus Song." Put it on. Listen. You might hear the Beach Boys, the Beatles, Judy Collins, Sade, Bonnie Raitt, or other favorites, but you'll sum it all up as undeniably Thana Harris.