Customer Reviews

Have a Little Faith

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This lastest offering from Mavis Staples almost
brings me to tears because it's so uplifting and
healing. There is not a song I do not like lyrical
or musically here. And her backing band is just
fabulous. This album has a rootsy r&b and folk feeling
to it that's hard to come by anywhere else. And lastly,
I love the messages in songs like "God Is Not Sleeping"
and "He Ain't No Better Than You." You don't need to
be religious to enjoy Mavis' offerings here. You just
need to have an open mind and open heart

This is the finest album I have heard in years. From track to track.

Mavis Staples' deep,lush, contralto voice, has only become richer with time.
Working not over the fantasic muscians on this album, but with them. Giving you the feeling that this is a true ensemble. The slide guitar, the hint of sax, the awsome percussion, the blues, mixed with rythem,funk and soul that so brilliantly seems to caress her voice.

'Keep The Faith' is an album for a person of any faith. Of any heart, of any life.
The songs chosen are of empowerment and strength. They ring true.

One can not help but feel the deep rooted passion of Mavis.
Her delivery of a lyric is something only a woman of her experience could do. Wether at full throttle, or whispering to get your attention. She has a divine and truly musical ability.
Each song is it's own unique treasure.

It is easy to understand why Prince chose this voice for his Graffiti Bridge album and movie. Why Bob Dylan, Aretha, Al Green and so many others fell in love with this talent.

After listening to this C.D., I listened to it again and again.
Later, I purchased a few copies for some friends that were not familiar with her.

THAT, is the gift of music. Mavis is a gift to us.

Mavis Staples
Have A Little Faith Alligator

On her first album of new material since 1993, Mavis Staples proves to be, spiritually and musically, convicted. She still has her instantly recognizable and dynamic voice. It distinctively features throughout 12 songs on her Alligator debut. All are uplifting and contain encouraging messages about being the best you can be, equal rights, helping each other, spirituality in God, believing in your dreams, and keeping the faith. Her unheralded backing band, features her sister, Yvonne, on background vocals. The production is very polished.

"Pops Recipe" is rather funky and is an homage to Mavis' father. He had 13 siblings, dropped out of school to pick cotton yet became a gospel and soul legend. Pops taught his children to ("Accept responsibility / don't subscribe to bigotry, hypocrisy, duplicity.") "Ain't No Better Than You" contains equally strong lyrics such as ("Change will come but not overnight / it's the waiting / that's so frustrating.") The slow and deeply moving, "God Is Not Sleeping", is beautiful and brilliant. Several numbers mix gospel with R&B such as "I Still Believe In You" and "There's A Devil On The Loose". The latter describes the evil that is brought to individuals and society. The Chicago Music Community Choir's gospel backing vocals are astounding on "In Times Like These".

The meaningful lyrics to these inspirational songs are a stark reminder of the strife's and struggles that many have to endure. Yet, this is healing music -- designed to help our hurting and deeply suffering world. Like an open door, Staples' powerful voice and contemporary musical arrangements are welcoming so that you don't miss out on a lost opportunity. For 51 minutes, she instills faith in the deepest cynic and provides hope for the broken-hearted.

-- Tim Holek

I first heard this cd on a blues radio station in Houston, Texas (KPFT) and 'A Dying Man's Last Plea' was what sent shivers down my spine. I like the entire cd but this song is the one I play over and over.

There's a reason Mavis and this CD won four W.C. Handy Awards...it is a terrific disc. The songs are uplifting and inspiring. The production is immaculate. The background musicianship is superb. And, of course, there is that strong, angelic voice. No reason to look further...buy this CD.

This is the finest album I have heard in years. From track to track.

Mavis Staples' deep,lush, contralto voice, has only become richer with time.
Working not over the fantasic muscians on this album, but with them. Giving you the feeling that this is a true ensemble. The slide guitar, the hint of sax, the awsome percussion, the blues, mixed with rythem and soul that so brilliantly seems to caress her voice.

'Keep The Faith' is an album for a person of any faith. Of any heart, of any life.
The songs chosen are of empowerment and strength. They ring true.

One can not help but feel the deep rooted passion of Mavis.
Her delivery of a lyric is something only a woman of her experience could do. Wether at full throttle, or whispering to get your attention. She has a divine and truly musical ability.
Each song is it's own unique treasure.

It is easy to understand why Prince chose this voice for his Graffiti Bridge album and movie. Why Bob Dylan, Aretha, Al Green, Phil Spector and so many others fell in love and worked with this talent.

After listening to this C.D., I listened to it again and again.
Later, I purchased a few copies for some friends that were not familiar with her.

THAT, is the gift of music. Mavis is a gift to us.

Best blues recording I've heard in a long time. If you love the blues and have faith in God, you need to hear this CD. You won't loan it out because you wont' want to stop listening. She hits you in your gut.

I recently went to see Mavis here in the foothills of Northern California.After losing a dear friend, Mavis made me cry, smile and laugh!It was a needed release for me.
Now, I love to listen to her cd-Have a little faith, while I am driving in my car. This way I can sing along! Her songs have a sexy, Rythmn and Blues take that has the ability to take us back to our roots.She brings us home to this truly American sound.
Her band rises up to her standards as well.The background music is so tuned in to her genius it is amazing to notice.She has one of the best lead guitarists I think I have ever heard before.
Mavis is the angel God released to us, to help us find love, peace and understanding in a morally challenged world.

A brilliant selection of Blues/Soul song's, brilliantly delivered by the wonderful Mavis Staples. I would give the album 10 star's if I could..

I'm not a relgious person and you don't have to be to love this CD. Ms. Staples shines on it. Every song is a jewel.