Mavis Staples, an iconic figure in gospel, soul and rhythm and blues whose career has spanned over 60 years, boasts a distinctive, highly recognizable voice. There’s that little modulation in it that has been apparent from the time she stepped out with her family’s gospel group, the Staple Singers, to her latest solo release, Livin’ on a High Note.
One can also count on Staples to bring a message with her music, whether she’s singing gospel or secular material. That remains true this time out, though with a little twist. She recruited a wealth of modern-day talent to write her songs specifically for the album, with the only “assignment” that they be “joyful.” Some of the composers include Ben Harper, M. Ward (who also acted as producer), Neko Case and New Orleans’ own Jon Batiste, who co-wrote one of the disc’s highlights, “Tomorrow.” It’s very catchy, sing-a-long ready and complete with horns.
On most of the tunes here, like the soul-flavored “Take Us Back,” written by Benjamin Booker, Staples uses less instrumentation, with simply her longtime band—guitar, bass and drums—and backup vocalists. Perhaps because she came up under her guitar-playing father, the great Roebuck “Pops” Staples, she relies on the guitar rather than piano as her primary accompaniment.
Staples is at her best on Livin’ on a High Note when she allows a gospel or soul groove to take her to higher ground.
