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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

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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Comments

great review. I was also there and can safely say that it was by far one of the best and most special performances I've seen.

Mr Cheal has captured the soul of the show and five minutes listening to Mavis's vocals are worth a series of the X factor.

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