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Mavis is back with a series of concerts at the SFJAZZ Center, almost exactly two years after her last performance on this stage. At 85, Staples is joined by her trusted lineup, including guitarist Rick Holmstrom, a solid rhythm section, and two soulful backup singers. Rick remains one of my favorite contemporary guitarists in electric blues and rhythm & blues — I was once completely hooked on his solo albums. Mavis, meanwhile, simply calls him Pops Jr.
Sunday's setlist was packed with powerful gospel and soul numbers, elevated by Staples' still-striking vocals, Holmstrom's fantastic guitar riffs, and the tight, steady backing of the rhythm section. Handwriting on the Wall was especially moving, as was their always-delightful cover of Funkadelic's Can You Get to That. Respect Yourself came through with raw intensity, its message as potent as ever. As part of their preparation for an upcoming tour in Japan, the band played Sōran Bushi, a Japanese folk song the Staple Singers recorded as Solon Bushi for their 1969 album We'll Get Over. What a surprise! Then, they followed it up with a stunning take on Tom Waits' Chicago — incredible!
The concert wrapped up with another couple of songs I had never heard Mavis perform, making for a truly memorable night. In past interviews, she teased that a new studio album was in the works, and it would be amazing if some of these tunes — including the Waits cover — made it onto the record.
Set list (7:01 PM — 8:21 PM): City in the Sky, I'm Just Another Soldier, Handwriting on the Wall, Who Told You That, Can You Get to That, Got to Be Some Changes Made, Turn Me Around, Freedom Highway, You Are Not Alone, Respect Yourself, Sōran Bushi, Chicago, Heavy Makes You Happy, Human Mind, Everybody Needs Love
