To call Mavis Staples a voice of a generation would mean to hugely underestimate her cultural significance. For one, this artist’s career encopmasses more than a single peer-group lifespan, and then, her influence not only on music but also on a civil rights movement, and even if we focus solely on songs these have crossed genres and styles with ease, their only constant remaining the veteran’s voice and personality. Still, the last platter she issued was 2019’s “We Get By” – written and produced by Ben Harper, and though Mavis’ contributed to "Here It Is: A Tribute To Leonard Cohen" in 2022, fans have been eagerly waiting for her next solo offering. And soon the wait will be over.
On November 7th, the 86-year-young Staples is releasing the “Sad And Beautiful World” album which features cuts by Tom Waits, Gillian Welch, Frank Ocean, SPARKLEHORSE and other luminaries and finds her collaborate with such blues greats as Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt and Derek Trucks. Judging by what’s already available online, it’s going to feel great listening to all of these pieces.
Sad And Beautiful World
1. Chicago
2. Beautiful Strangers
3. Sad And Beautiful World
4. Human Mind
5. Hard Times
6. Godspeed
7. We Got To Have Peace
8. Anthem
9. Satisfied Mind
10. Everybody Needs Love
