Mavis Staples
Not many of the performers can claim to have shared a stage with Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin, Bill Clinton, Martin Luther King and John F Kennedy, but Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Mavis Staples can.
As both a solo performer and part of the Pop Staples lead, Staple Singers, Martha has been making an impression for some forty years.
A major influence in both R n' B, gospel and to a lesser extent soul, Mavis has built up a huge catalogue of songs.
Listening to Mavis performing has been described as a an epiphany of sound, particularly when performing a tribute to her great mentor, Mahalia Jackson.
As with most r 'n' b singers, Mavis' early experience of singing was a child performing in gospel choirs in the churches of the Southern States. Not all of Mavis' material is god related, she has performed many a secular song, many with political overtones, all with messages of hope.
This is a rare opportunity to catch Mavis performing in this country.
POST FESTIVAL VERDICT
A high class set of songs and some damn fine communication with the audience. There's a lot in Mavis' background that it's good to hear, be it in song or between the songs. It's been a while, hope it's not quite so long next time.