Mavis Staples
Hope At The Hideout
ANTI CD #86993-2"
Mavis Staples recorded her new release, Hope at the Hideout, on June 24th but her message was clearly intended for the post-election period. Called by some “America’s conscience” the 69 year old singer proves once again that her deep faith and her passion for justice and equality, combined with her artistry, husky voice and bottomless well of soul, can produce a work that soars.
Hope at the Hideout opens with “For What it’s Worth,” the Stephen Stills classic about social turbulence, confrontation and the corruption that results from too much power. Ms. Staples makes no secret of the fact that she has strong opinions about the current state of our country. A tireless worker for civil rights and a vocal opponent of the war in Iraq, Mavis never really separates her art from her convictions. “Down in Mississippi” and “Keep your Eyes on the Prize” express the pain of Jim Crow as well as the spiritual hope of the civil rights movement, while the haunting and deeply moving “Waiting for my Child” reminds us of all the parents here and abroad whose children are far away, and perhaps may never come home.
Legendary for her soul and gospel renditions, and rightfully so (as clearly evidenced in “Wade in the Water” and “We Shall not be Moved”), one reason her music has stayed so fresh throughout the five decades of her career is that Mavis can rock with the best of them. Her version of “Freedom Highway” (written by her father) clearly illustrates why Mavis still captivates younger fans. And her funked-out version of “This Little Light” is uplifting as well as just plain fun.
Appropriately for the size of the venue, Ms. Staples’ performed with only a trio of backup singers and a three piece band, including 20 year blues and roots veteran Rick Holmstrom, whose spare style and occasional breezy riffs are the perfect accompaniment to Ms. Staples commanding vocals.
The Hideout, a club located in Ms. Staples’ beloved Chicago, provided an opportunity for an intimate musical experience for the performers and audience alike. In her words, Mavis’s mission was “to bring joy, happiness, inspiration and positive vibrations – to last for at least the next six months”. Right up to its Election Day release.
- C.E. Ford -
Southwest Blues CD Review - February 2009
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