Mavis Staples -- We'll Never Turn Back

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Thanks to Lazarus, Likewise and John L for bringing this to my attention.

This is Mavis Staples on the great little ANTI- label that gave us Merl Haggard's Roots vol. 1 and Ramblin' Jack's I Stand Alone, two of my favorite albums of recent years (as well as Jolie Holland and other interesting younger artists). Mavis' album is produced by Ry Cooder, who plays on all the tracks, with Ladysmith Black Mambazo joining in on three cuts. Like Hag's and Ramblin' Jack's ANTI- albums, the songs are stripped down to focus on the elements, and like the others it's another great album.

I'm still digesting my first listen, and at this point am prone to superlatives, so I'll return to the thread later to add more after another listen or two.

They do a version of "This Little Light" that's so funky it sounds secular and sensual, spiritually sensual.

Highest recommendation!!

Track List:
01. Down In Mississippi
02. Eyes On The Prize
03. We Shall Not Be Moved
04. In The Mississippi River
05. On My Way
06. This Little Light
07. 99 and 1/2
08. My Own Eyes
09. Turn Me Around
10. We'll Never Turn Back
11. I'll Be Rested
12. Jesus Is On The Main Line

[likewise]

Oh yes, Steve, nothing dated about this revival. Great album. Inspired lyrics & soulful vocals that could knock over a brick wall - and Ryland P's guitar with a youthful bite I haven't heard from him in years. (Hitting myself for missing Mavis Staples live in Stockholm the other night - backed by tight trio, getting rave reviews.)

[lazarus]

Yes, I wish I saw her at Berns thursday night.
I love this cd! Absolutely one of my favorites from 2007.

[Gentle Giant]

she's a treasure. I'm going to look for this.

[Lenny D.Guitarist]

she's a treasure. I'm going to look for this.

An incredible musician and person.. one for the ages!

[John L]

This is a fantastic album, a real triumph for Mavis and Ry Cooder (one of his best production jobs (IMO))

Mavis' version of "99 and a half" here is a masterpiece for the ages.

[rollhead]

I just downloaded this from emusic. Great music.