Bonnie Thomas artfully captures her unique, playful and sultry take on jazz and blues standards sung to the rich and soulful accompaniment of Alan Oehler on guitar. Like many in the arts, Thomas' influences reveal much about her musical philosophy. Even the way she categorizes her influences as “heroes, recent crushes, and old flames” highlights the emotional tug of music on her life. Old flames like Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan converse with recent crushes like Bonnie Raitt and Jolie Holland. Life long heroes, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson and Joni Mitchell and their privileged place in her musical pantheon are cited in her tonal range and sophisticated phrasing. From the classics to modern chanteuses and songwriters, Thomas has synthesized a vocal style that is both familiar and arresting.