Mavis Staples, Jazz Café | reviews, news & interviews
Mavis Staples, Jazz Café
Mavis Staples, Jazz Café
Gospel and soul singer brings warmth to a cold wet night in north London
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Mavis Staples: 'I ain't tired yet'
When Mavis Staples opens her mouth, remarkable things happen. She hollers, she sobs, she moans, she swoops, she rasps, she croons, she shudders. Not since I last saw Al Green have I seen such a bravura display of vocal prowess. On a rainy night in London, the 71-year-old singer of gospel, soul and R&B was in town for a one-off gig (and also for a Jools Holland appearance) to promote her new album, You Are Not Alone.
When Mavis Staples opens her mouth, remarkable things happen. She hollers, she sobs, she moans, she swoops, she rasps, she croons, she shudders. Not since I last saw Al Green have I seen such a bravura display of vocal prowess. On a rainy night in London, the 71-year-old singer of gospel, soul and R&B was in town for a one-off gig (and also for a Jools Holland appearance) to promote her new album, You Are Not Alone.
Even the way she held the microphone should be a lesson to any young X Factor wannabes who might fancy themselves as “soul” singers
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