South African jazz audiences are set to experience the expressive, genre-blurring sound of New York-based jazz vocalist Lizzie Thomas, with her latest single, This Fire, available online across all digital platforms now!
Released from her newest album of original material, Awakening, This Fire is an energetic jazz track layered with smooth grooves, subtle neo-soul influences, and nods to R&B atmospheres. The song carries a message of empowerment and unity, encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves and find strength together. The metaphor of fire represents passion and energy, inspiring fans to ignite their inner flame and positively impact the world around them.
“I began connecting with my South African fans in 2025, and sharing my music with audiences there has been truly exhilarating,” says Lizzie Thomas. “I hope This Fire continues my journey with listeners in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and everywhere in between.”
This Fire is part of Awakening, a bold and genre-fluid album exploring identity, grief, and hope. Departing from classic jazz interpretations, the album positions Thomas not only as a vocalist but as a producer and songwriter with a distinct artistic vision. Recorded at New York’s Powerstation and enriched by the Grammy-winning Harlem String Quartet, the album balances lush orchestration with intimate, vulnerable moments. The addition of electric bass and the B3 Hammond organ brings soulful warmth and a contemporary edge, perfectly complementing Thomas’s smoky, emotive voice.
Born and raised in the American South and trained in Nashville, Lizzie Thomas has collaborated with leading jazz figures, including Ron Carter, Russell Malone, John Di Martino, Wayne Escoffery, Helio Alves, and Neal Smith. Her previous works, New Sounds from the Jazz Age, Duo Encounters, and Awakening, have received critical acclaim, solidifying her reputation as one of New York’s most innovative vocal talents.
Listen to This Fire here.
