Staples is a veteran soul singer and once part of the legendary Staple Singers that were signed to Stax Records and released a series of classic soul singles like ‘I’ll Take You There’ as well as great covers of Dylan’s ‘A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall’ and Buffalo Springfield’s ‘For What It’s Worth’.
Now in her seventies Staples has a deep, raw and weathered voice, rich in soul and southern warmth. The lived in raggedness that perfectly suits an album of inspired by the struggle for racial equality. Made up of personal reminiscences, new compositions and old traditional standards like ‘Eye’s on the Prize’, ‘We Shall Not Be Moved’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine’ the record is document to that time. She knew Martin Luther King Jr. personally and Staples gutsy and righteous delivery is in part a tribute to that inspirational man.
Ry Cooder’s production gives the record a, deep and dusty feel. You can feel the heat of Mississippi delta, the smell of sweat and rising tensions.
Though inspired by history, this is a great modern blues and gospel album.
DOWN IN MISSISSIPPI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeZmZ1Pt6C0
EYES ON THE PRIZE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZWdDI_fkns&feature=related
WE'LL NEVER TURN BACK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27XLZwbA2qQ
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