"Mavis Staples" (1969)

Mavis Staples performed for almost two decades with her family before producer Al Bell convinced her to record solo album - The Staple Singers joined Stax Records previous year and with the help of famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section their music was instantly updated, now they were amongst the biggest soul aristocracy of the day. Mind you, nothing drastically changed as Staples still sang praises to the Lord and their songs were always carefully chosen to spread some kind of message, but sound definitely changed and they became more accessible to wider audiences. Gospel purists were probably not amused, but "Pops" accepted this is the way to go on with the business. Out of this Stax episode came this solo album which was perhaps experiment to steer Mavis into contemporary style and its surprising that it didn't stir more attention - ultimately it became nothing more than interesting side-project since lady had no intentions to leave the family group and by her own admission, she was not really not comfortable being alone in the spotlight.

Listening it today, it is a very good 1960s R&B album - how can it be different with one of the best voices in the business backed by such sensational musicians - the highlight is her version of Burt Bacharach ballad "A House Is Not A Home" which in her hands turns into soulful masterpiece on the very much same level like "Stay With Me" by Lorraine Ellison, one of those unforgettable deep soul recordings. Mind you, Mavis can get all funky when opportunity presents itself - her covers of songs by Otis Redding, Willie Hutch, Sam Cooke and "Son Of A Preacher Man" are top-shelf and it makes one wonder how come this album somehow fell between the cracks instead of catapulting her into first rank of greatest soul singers of 1960s - than again, perhaps it was simply eclipsed by other current works by The Staple Singers and lady herself didn't pursue that direction. "Pops" himself didn't record solo album until 1990s when he was already almost eighty and Mavis continued as part of the family band until her father and sisters passed away, when she eventually decided to continue carrying the torch and work as solo artist. The album perhaps didn't make big impact back than in the golden age of soul but its joy to hear today and is highly recommended listening.