Mavis Staples/France 1995

Mavis Staples’ album The Voice, produced by Prince, was released on August 24, 1993, but this recording is from a gig at Hot Brass in Paris on February 5, 1995, recorded with a super-advanced audience that is extremely impressive in sound pressure and realism. First, the backing band The Staple Swingers performs funky instrumentals and singing, then Mavis appears, singing You Will Be Moved from The Voice and a little bit of Prince’s outtake God Is Alive, while also talking about Prince, and then performing Blood Is Thicker That Time and The Undertaker, also from The Voice, which are songs that Prince is naturally involved in. Then there is the long performance of Respect Yourself, the Staple Singers song I’ll Take You There, which Prince also covers, Otis Redding’s Dock Of The Bay, and When The Saints Go Marchin’ In, which Prince often played, which is a strange coincidence. Finally, the album’s title song is performed, which is a great performance. Hot Brass Club Paris France Feb 5, 1995 Disc 1 The Staple Swingers Instrumental The Staple Swingers Unknown Song We’re Gonna Take You There Jam If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me) Do It Again You Will Be Moved Mavis talks about Prince God Is Alive Blood Is Thicker Than Time The Undertaker Repect Yourself Disc 2 Reach Out Touch A Hand Reach Out And Touch (Somebody’s Hand) I’ll Take You There The Dock Of The Bay Will The Circle Be Unbroken I’ll Fly Away When The Saints Go Marchin’ In The Voice