Lizzie Thomas – ‘Awakening’ (Album)
- I'm Not From London
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
For her eighth release, New York’s Lizzie Thomas has created something strikingly personal.
‘Awakening’ signals not only a shift in sound but a declaration of artistic independence — a move beyond the classic jazz standards that first earned her acclaim, into a vibrant blend of neo-soul, jazz, and vocal pop. Recorded at the legendary Powerstation in NYC with the Grammy-winning Harlem String Quartet, this album is a bold chapter in her career.
Thomas’ voice remains the central force — clear, emotive, and nuanced — but on ‘Awakening’ she embraces an expanded sonic palette. Electric bass replaces the upright, giving the songs a warmer, more grounded groove, while the Hammond B3 organ brings a soulful edge to the arrangements. The strings, meanwhile, elevate the record into cinematic territory, lending weight and intimacy to her songwriting. The result is a soundscape that feels simultaneously classic and contemporary, sitting comfortably alongside artists like Snoh Aalegra, Melody Gardot, and Laufey.
The album embodies transformation. “I finally gave myself permission to proclaim my voice,” Thomas explains. “This album is about unlearning what you were taught and waking up to the realization of who you really are.” That sentiment runs through every track, from the more vulnerable ballads to the confident, groove-led numbers. Her process — receiving songs in dreams, meditative states, and moments of stillness — adds a spiritual dimension, making the record feel less like a composition and more like a revelation.
Thomas’ reputation as one of NYC’s premier jazz vocalists has long been established through collaborations with greats like Ron Carter and Russell Malone, but ‘Awakening’ sees her stepping fully into her identity as a composer and producer. It’s an album that feels alive with possibility, daring in its mix of genres, and deeply personal in its narrative.
Ultimately, ‘Awakening’ is both an album and a statement. It demonstrates that jazz-rooted artists can transcend boundaries without losing their essence, and that vulnerability can be just as powerful as virtuosity. For Lizzie Thomas, this is less a reinvention and more a realisation — the sound of an artist fully awake.
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