Soul icon Mavis Staples has confirmed details of a one off show in London later this year.
The career of Mavis Staples has taken her from gospel to soul and beyond, without ever losing sight of her roots. Brought up in a religious family, her background has helped her in a career which has lasted five decades.
Recently the soul icon hooked up with Wilco songwriter Jeff Tweedy to produce her new album. The result is ‘You Are Not Alone’ a highly praised album which places Mavis Staples in a new environment.
Speaking to ClashMusic the singer discussed how songs were chosen for the album. “Jeff had these songs for me to listen to. I listened, and about the fourth song, this gospel classic traditional song started played, and I said, ‘Where did you…? How did you come up with that?! This was a song that my father used to play for me when I was a kid! This was the Golden Gate Jubilee Singers.’”
“And he said, ‘Oh Mavis, I like all of this old stuff like that. I thought this would be good for you.’ I said, ‘You got that right! I know these songs, but I never thought that I’d be singing them!’ I came out of there, we chose about seven or eight songs out of the bunch that he had.”
The result is a mixture of classic songwriting and new material, with Mavis Staples proving that she retains the powerful of that wonderful voice. The soul icon is set to travel to British shortly for a one off date.
Due to perform in London on November 17th, Mavis Staples will play just one British date this year. Taking place at the Jazz Cafe, the soul icon will be joined by a full band for this very special performance.
Tickets are on sale now.
Mavis Staples is due to play the following show:
November
17 London Jazz Cafe
Click here to buy tickets for Mavis Staples!
