Mavis Staples, Jazz Café

Gospel and soul singer brings warmth to a cold wet night in north London

by David ChealThursday, 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.

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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Permalink Submitted by Gemma OBrien (not verified) on Thu, 18/11/2010 - 14:00

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.

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Permalink Submitted by Alexander (not verified) on Sat, 20/11/2010 - 09:38

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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