Music Review: Mavis Staples, Living on a High Note

Yes, 1950 is when Mavis Staples commenced her music career, joining with her father Pops Staples and her sisters for a long career as The Staples Singers.

In 2016, at 76 years young Mavis is still doing what she does best.

Creating music that's as individual as she is. Compelling, passionate, relevant and embodied in the gritty soul and gospel inspired vocals that she has honed over 60-plus years.

But Living on a High Note sees Mavis take a different approach to her last full-on album You're Not Alone, which, in 2011 scored her a first Grammy Award.

Not many artists have had to wait for 60 years for that to happen.

With this new set of songs Mavis Staples has gone outside the comfort zone of familiar and traditional material, co-opting songwriters like Nick Cave, Justin Vernon, Neko Case, Ben Harper and others.

Nonetheless Mavis makes each song sound as though it's as unique as she is.

A marriage of contemporary music and timeless soul. While each track has its merits the stand-out is the one that gives the record its title High Note.

PS: Did you know that Mavis Staples turned down Bob Dylan when he proposed to her?

Rating: 4/5 stars.