MAVIS STAPLES has been a soul and gospel inspiration for more than 50 years.
Her work fronting the fabulous STAPLES SINGERS characterised the sound of opinion-committed soul and therefore impacted on whole generations of thoughtful musicians.
As a solo artist in her own right, Mavis Staples has contributed to much of what is virtuous and worthy in American Soul Music.
With “Livin’ on a High Note” released this month, Staples provides the most jubilant and spiritually challenging recording of her career, with twelve original songs written exclusively for her by some of the most beautiful song-smiths in the industry, including guitarist and producer M .Ward and with folk-rocker Ben Harper, solo songwriter Valerie June, Neko Case (The New Pornographers) , the tUnE-yArDs , Nick Cave, John Baptiste and others.
Now 76, Staples shows no signs of slowing down — in fact 2016 is likely to be one of her busiest years yet!
On February 20TH HBO will début MAVIS! – the feature length documentary about her life — and her Livin’ on a High Note is released the day before.
We listened to High Note, taken from the forthcoming LP —
The parched voice reminds us of Lou Reed (yes, we know, curious isn’t it?) and this dusty, cracked and crusty song is as creaky as your Mama’s back porch… Fabulously haggard…
A lot less irritable than it should be, this song is filled with wonder and the kind of cynical optimism that is so pungently and manifestly, Valerie June.
This is remarkably effective!
Words: @neilmach 2016 ©
Link: https://www.facebook.com/mavisstaples
Livin’ on a High Note – Mavis Staples is availabloe for Pre Order Now
