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84 & Fabulous: Candi Staton’s Gospel Triumph!

BBG News

Candi Station: Back To My Roots (Beracah) 

Verdict: Disco diva goes gospel

Known for hits like “Young Hearts Run Free” from 1976 and “You Got The Love” in the ’90s, which was later popularized by Florence + The Machine, Candi Staton stands as one of dance music’s grand dames, expressing her affection for the vibrant club scene. Additionally, she made it to the Top Ten with a groovy remake of the Bee Gees’ “Nights On Broadway”.

However, the Alabama-native singer, who turns 85 next month, possesses a variety of talents beyond her singing career. She initially gained recognition as part of a gospel trio that performed alongside Sam Cooke and The Staple Singers. Moreover, she has delved into southern soul music and even recorded covers of country songs such as Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man.

In recent years, I’ve found myself embarking on a remarkable resurgence starting from 2006, immersing myself in the vibrant world of modern Americana. This journey has led me to some incredible collaborations, such as working alongside Mark Nevers, a renowned figure from Nashville’s alt-country band Lambchop, and the talented rocker Jason Isbell.

In her last album released in 2018, titled “Unstoppable”, she included cover versions of “Peace, Love And Understanding” originally by Nick Lowe and “People Have The Power” by Patti Smith.

On her new album “Back To My Roots,” she seamlessly blends various genres such as gospel, blues, and jazzy R&B, tying them all together cohesively.

In the 1950s, she sang two harmonious duets with her elder sister Maggie Staton Peebles, a fellow member of the Jewel Gospel Trio, and one with Memphis icon William Bell. All these performances exude a soulful rhythm.

Among the heartfelt songs are ballads such as “It’s Gonna Rain,” a tune that my mother used to sing every evening following her prayers. Accompanied by her sister, she sings it with a confident and emotive style. She also performs Peace In The Valley, a spiritual song made famous by Elvis Presley, and The Lord Will Make A Way, which was previously revived by Al Green, with strong conviction and accuracy.

This album features a blend of standards and original compositions by Staton, who collaborated with her son Marcus Williams in production. Many of the originals carry a gospel undertone, such as the blues-infused “God’s Gonna Use Me Anyway” and “Reach Down And Touch Heaven For Me,” where Staton plays piano on one of her records for the first time.

She also tackles non-religious topics, such as: A solemn, spoken-word piece from 1963, reflecting on a racist bombing of an Alabama Baptist church that year, and “Love Breakthrough” is a tribute to Diana Ross & The Supremes.

A rendition of “Shine A Light,” originally by The Rolling Stones and dedicated to the late Brian Jones from their 1972 album Exile On Main St., demonstrates Candi’s knack for adding a unique touch to classic songs. Over five decades since her greatest hit, she remains vibrant and unrestrained.

Back To My Roots is out today. 

 

Best of the new releases… 

ALESSIA CARA: Love & Hyperbole (Def Jam) 

2018 saw Alessia Cara earn the title of Best New Artist at the Grammys, a role model for Millennials. She’s candidly shared her experiences with mental health issues throughout her career.

However, on her fourth album, the artist from Canada embraces a hopeful outlook, showcasing self-assurance as she is joined by a band that features the talented trombonist, Roy Agee, who has also played with Prince.

She acknowledges that fears are merely illusions, as expressed on (Isn’t It) Obvious, with a heartfelt nod towards R&B icon Erykah Badu in Slow Motion. Her lyrics resonate with Badu’s style, as she croons, “We move like Badu.

THE LUMINEERS: Automatic (Dualtone) 

As a devoted fan, I was initially introduced to The Lumineers as the American equivalent of Mumford & Sons. Over time, they’ve evolved into an arena-worthy touring act, scaling back from a five-piece group to a dynamic duo consisting of lead vocalist Wesley Schultz and pianist Jeremiah Fraites.

After becoming fathers, the new album they’ve released after a gap of three years is deeply personal, filled with melodies that carry a mix of sweet and bitter emotions associated with love.

In this journey called life, we often ponder if men and women can truly be just friends. I’ve found that friendship, when built on mutual respect, understanding, and trust, can indeed flourish between the sexes. However, it’s essential to acknowledge and manage the complexities that arise from shared experiences and deep emotions.

THE WOMBATS: Oh! The Ocean (AWAL) 

The three musicians from Liverpool consistently enrich their songwriting with humor and depth, all while sticking to a proven formula they can rely on.

1. “Can’t Say No, an ode to carefree living with its guitar tunes, is guaranteed to be a hit at indie club gatherings. As for Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come, it showcases frontman Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy as a reluctant party-attendee.”

2. “The song Can’t Say No, which celebrates recklessness and uses guitar melodies, is sure to be popular at indie club events. In the track Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come, Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy is depicted as a party-resistant individual.”

3. “Can’t Say No, a song that glorifies recklessness and features guitar tunes, will be a hit at indie club parties. In the track Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come, Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy is portrayed as an unwilling party-goer.”

4. “The tune Can’t Say No, which praises recklessness and includes guitar riffs, will be a smash at indie club nights. In the song Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come, Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy is presented as a reluctant party-attender.”

5. “Can’t Say No, which extols recklessness and includes guitar chords, will be a hit at indie club events. In the song Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come, Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy is represented as an unwilling party-guest.”

He resides in California together with his American spouse and their two girls, and the affection he holds for his chosen country shines through in the book titled “I Love America And She Hates Me.

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2025-02-14 03:34

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