Southern Jazz Music

Mavis is at the topof her game and in fine form. You can feel the Spirit right through your speakers!

She had it Then...She has it Now...One Word, One Name, Synonymous with Soul..."Mavis"

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.

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

King Curtis' first recording for Atlantic Records, Have Tenor Sax, Will Blow (1959) and his first recording upon returning to Atlantic, Live at Small's Paradise (1966) together on one CD make this a dream come true for King Curtis fans.

The first 11 cuts are from Have Tenor Sax, Will Blow, Atco 33-113 it contains 7 originals and as you would expect lots of great blowing. While there is a taste of the yakety yak that made King Curtis famous it's more R&B, very satisfying! In addition to King Curtis Noble Watts is on 5 tracks which gives a real nice 2 tenor sound. Also featured is the guitar work of Al Casey of Fats Waller fame and Jimmy Spruill and Joe Puma.

The final 10 cuts are from Live at Small's Paradise from 1966 originally released as Atco 33-198. This band features Cornell Dupree on guitar and the recently departed Paul Griffin on keyboards along with Willie Bridges & Melvin Lastie on horns. This is recording reflects what you would have heard if you were lucky to catch King Curtis performing live at Wilt Chamberlain's Harlem club in the mid 60's. There are 3 originals 2 of which (Preach & Pots and Pans) I've never seen on CD prior to this release. Of the covers Blowin' in the Wind is a standout.

It's great to have these just about impossible to find recordings finally released on CD, hats off to the folks at Collectables and lets hope this is just the begining of the King Curtis Atlantic Records being reissued.

A double shot of pianist-siren Amos steals the show in what was a marketable mix of (mostly) boring rap, bland R&B, and serviceable rock with a few other worthwhile contributions (Outkast circa Atliens and Rage before Evil Empire dropped to name the obvious ones) made this album enticing when it was released.

I read all 13 reviews and I did not even see the work Outkast. This is by far one of the highlights of the album. The whole thing is good but if you are an Outkast fan this is a must have just for the one song by them.

i mean seriously it really is.a soundtrack this diverse was unheard of during the 90's.Though ironically this represents the diversity of that awesome decade verry well.theirs something here for everybody.ZHANE,ice cube,liz phair,rage against the machine,brand new heavies.you would be hard pressed to find a more diverse soundtrack from this era.

as far as the songs themselves their actualy good,and i have nothing really bad to say about them.though i must admit tori amous isn't for me.and i belive people had the same problem with this album.it was probably TOO diverse for its own good,but nevertheless a good album.

I have been looking for this CD for the longest. Im so glad I found it. My favorite song is "Soul Searchin" by Me'Shell NdegeOcello.

As one other reviewer said, this soundtrack (as well as the film that spawned it) was way ahead of its time and many of the topics covered in these songs are still relevant today!

The style of this film was also ahead of its time. It isn't pure R & B, rap, rock or any other style of music. Its all of these things. In truth, this soundtrack kind of represents what American means.....a melting pot. That's what makes this soundtrack so unique.

My favorites are "Higher" by Ice Cube and "All I Ask Of You" by Raphael Saddiq but nearly all of the tracks are worth a listen. Much like New Jack City, this soundtrack was spreading a message that is still just as relevant in 2007 as it was in 1995. Highly recommended.