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Mavis Staples and Jhelisa UK Tour 2008
Down in Mississippi
UK TOUR April 10th – 20th 2008
“At 68, she is still a rousing, powerful performer, and still taking chances. One of the great American voices.” The Guardian
The Down in Mississippi tour is a glorious baptism of deep-rooted soul, uplifting gospel and classic freedom songs. Featuring Mavis Staples with support from Jhelisa, two of the most powerful and soulful voices.
From her formative years with the Staples Singers - performing for the likes of JFK and Martin Luther King - to her remarkable solo career, Mavis Staples has worked her vocal magic on the highways and byways of gospel, folk, soul and blues. En route she has shared stage and studio with everyone from Prince and Dylan to Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. In these very special concerts, the first lady of U.S. gospel revisits Staples Singers classics ('I'll Take You There', 'Respect Yourself' and more) and songs from the Civil Rights era revisited on last year’s fabulous Ry Cooder-produced solo outing 'We'll Never Turn Back'. Powerful, political and passionate Mavis’ music remains as relevant to today as in the Staples Singers ‘60s and ‘70’s heyday.
A perfect foil for Staples comes with support from Mississippi-born Jhelisa and her three piece band including acclaimed jazz pianist Robert Mitchell, Jhelisa, who is the cousin of Carleen Anderson and niece of James Brown legends Bobby Byrd and Vicki Anderson first came to UK attention in early 90’s with her big hit, Friendly Pressure. Her latest project Sunday In Algiers covers the work of Nina Simone and features her own unique arrangments of the likes of Mississippi Goddam, Feeling Good, Four Women, Suzanne, Never Walk Alone.
Mavis Staples appears with an amazing band featuring her sister Yvonne Staples, Chavonne Morris and Donny Gerard on backing vocals, drummer Stephen Hodges (Tom Waits and David Lynch), guitarist Rick Holstrom, bassist Jeff Turnes (Tom Waits, R.L. Burnside, Taj Mahal and Pinetop Perkins)
Mavis Staples and Jhelisa are availabe for interview and to arrange an interview or request more information or images please contact:
National press and radio: Kerstan@riotsquadpublicity.com 077756 55573
Regional press and radio: Sian@riotsquadpublicity.com 020 7223 7456'The songs, imbued with Mavis’ ardent, potent pleading, suddenly seemed penned with her in mind. Add her husky contralto, sounding stronger than it has in a long time.. and you have an album that can only add to her legend'. Mojo
'Mavis Staples is one of the touchstones, Aretha and Diana are the other legendry female soul singers that make up the triumverate agaist which all others must be measured'. Word Magazine
Mavis Staples UK TOUR
With support from JhelisaApril
10 Brighton Dome Concert Hall
01273 709709 brightondome.org, 8pm, £22.50-£19.50
11 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
0151 7093789 liverpoolphil.com, 7.30pm, £22.50-£19.50
12 Gateshead The Sage Gateshead
0191 443 4661 thesagegateshead.org, 7.30pm, £19.50
14 Manchester Bridgewater Hall
0161 907 9000 bridgewater-hall.co.uk, 7.30pm £19.50-£15.50
15 London Barbican
020 7638 8891 barbican.org.uk, 7.30pm £22.50-£15
16 Basingstoke The Anvil
01256 844244 anvilarts.org.uk, 7.45pm, £18.50
17 Bristol Colston Hall
0117 922 3686 colstonhall.org, 8pm, £17.50
20 Leicester De Montfort Hall
0116 233 3111 demontforthall.co.uk, 7.30pm, £16.50-£14.50“Sublime singer Anderson is probably one of the few singers whose voice is both soulful, jazzy and strong enough to perfrom a tribute to the great, late Simone” Time Out London
stylistics u.k. autumn schedules
Universal Music TV to release career-spanning collection of one of America’s best-loved soul groups, The Stylistics. Features the hits I’m Stone In Love With You, Donna, You Make Me Feel Brand New, People Make The World Go Round and Betcha By Golly, Wow. Coincides with highly anticipated UK tour. The Very Best Of The Stylistics released 29th October 2007 on UMTV.
UK tour starts at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall on 27th October. Following the success of the O’Jays, The Spinner’s and The Delfonics, America had just enough room for another highly successful soul group. That group came in the form of Philadelphia based quartet, The Stylistics. With their charisma, style and harmony, the group evolved into one of the best-selling soul acts of all time. At their peak in the early 1970s, The Stylistics had 10 straight top-ten hits cementing them firmly in the history of Soul music, and with artists including Johnny Mathis, Prince, The Beautiful Southand Smokey Robinson covering their repertoire, their influence of the world of popular music remains high. In fact, such is the relevance of the group, that the Sugababes are set to cover their classic Betcha By Golly, Wow on a forthcoming Radio 1 anniversary album. Now, to coincide with Philadelphia’s first men of Soul touring the UK, Universal Music TV will release The Very Best Of The Stylistics; a definitive collection released on 29th October, perfect for fans old and new. In 1971, the group collaborated with producer Thom Bell, the ingenious creator of the “Philly Sound” to release their debut self-titled album. The Stylistics would capture the imagination of the nation and the hearts of its women with their first single, You’re a Big Girl Now, which immediately became a top-ten hit. The Stylistics had started a trend. It was the broad falsetto of lead vocalist Thompkins Jr., a voice unlike any of his contemporaries or predecessors that appealed to the masses. With his style and delivery, fans and artists alike were mesmerised. Under the production of Bell, The Stylistics went on to produce top-ten hits from 1971 to 1974, culminating with their Grammy-Nominated hit, You Make Me Feel Brand New. It seemed every song the quartet released, greeted the airwaves with fresh, artistic fervor. Their emphasis on smoother, sweeter ballads made them the antithesis of many of their popular contemporaries and their tempo and style would vary effortlessly with each song. The Stylistics had carved themselves a reputation as perhaps the premier soul group during that span. Now nearly forty years on from their inception, their unique sound and spirit lives on. The 2007 personnel comprises original band members Herbie Murrell and Airrion Love, plus Harold ‘Eban’ Brown and Van Fields, who both joined the group in 2000.
Track-listing (Subject to change) 1. Can't Give You Anything (But My Love) No.1. 2. You Make Me Feel Brand New No. 2 3.. Sing Baby Sing No.3 4. Betcha By Golly, Wow No. 13. 5. Rockin' Roll Baby No. 6 6. I'm Stone In Love With You No. 9 7. Let's Put It All Together No. 9 8. Sixteen Bars No.7 9. Na Na Is The Saddest Word No.5 10. Peek-A-Boo No.35 11. Break Up To Make Up No. 34 12. Funky Weekend No.10 13. You'll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart) No. 24 14. 7000 Dollars And You No.24 15. You're A Big Girl Now - (US Chart - Black 7, Pop 73) 16. Hey Girl Come And Get It. (US Disco Chart 3) 17. Thank You Baby ( US Chart 7, Pop 70) 18. You Are Everything (US Chart - Black 10, Pop 9.) 19. People Make The World Go Round (US Chart Black 6, Pop 25) 20. Stop Look Listen (To Your Heart) ( US Chart Black 6, Pop 39) 21. Heavy Fallin' Out (US Chart - Black 6 , Pop 41)
The Stylistics will be touring the UK later this year, see tour dates below.
SAT 27TH OCT LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC 0151 709 3789
SUN 28TH OCT CHATHAM CENTRAL THEATRE 01634 338 338
WED 31ST OCT TRURO HALL, CORNWALL 01872 262 466
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SAT 10TH NOV SKEGNESS BUTLINS 0870 167 1003
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FRI 16TH NOV DUDLEY CONCERT HALL 01384 812 812
SAT 17TH NOV BODELWYDDAN CASTLE NORTH WALES 0870 601 6012
SUN 18TH NOV LONDON RONNIE SCOTT 0207 439 0747
TUES 20TH NOV RHYL PAVILION 0870 330 0000
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THUR 22ND NOV BATLEY FRONTIER CLUB 01924 442 122
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SAT 24TH NOV MARGATE WINTER GARDENS 01843 296111
SUN 25TH NOV CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL 01242 227 979
TUES 27TH NOV WORTHING PAVILION 01903 206 206
WED 28TH NOV BASILDON TOWNGATE THEATRE 01268 465 465
THUR 29TH NOV BARNSTAPLE QUEENS THEATRE 01271 324 242
FRI 30TH NOV LAKESIDE COUNTRY CLUB 01252 836 464
SUN 2ND DEC ALBAN ARENA ST. ALBANS 01727 844 488
'new look' blues and soul hits the streets
Blues and Soul is a magazine I have been picking up from my local newsagent for over 30 years now. The editorial set up inevitably changes, although, anyone, even slightly interested in Soul Music in the U.K., is, at least, aware of this publication.
This latest metamorphosis sees the magazine move from a portrait format to a square layout, making sense as the format is now in line with that of the vinyl LP and the compact disc. Graphically, the layout changes have evolved rather than had a total remake.
I must admit, when I first saw the new layout I thought to myself 'they've cut the bottom off the previous issue'! I guess as human beings (and certainly this applies with the passing of the years), our first reaction might be, 'I don't like it'. No-one likes change, the older we get. With the re-design not being too radical, the readers are coaxed into accepting the new layout rather than being offered up a visual fait accomplis.
All of the journalistic 'heavyweight' contributors are all still here, thankfully, as they provide the literary ballast to an ever changing genre.
One of my main worries (which has been the case for the previous couple of years) is a fear that the seasoned, loyal Soul campaigner may feel sidelined and skip several pages, making a beeline for the real deal, not knowing many of the newer (snarling and body painted) artists they flip by, whose material mainly appears on the lesser Soulful radio stations out there.
This is a shame in many ways, however, all told, there are no real Soul stations on national radio. Thesedays the Sam Dees or Lamont Dozier fan has to listen on satellite or dig around on the Net. The alternative is to 'read all about it' via Blues and Soul or a similar publication.
I think Blues and Soul is a kind of benchmark, that, love or hate the designs over the years, Soul folks look to as a guide, tracking down what and what not to buy. Hell, I still buy the magazine! If I see something worthwhile within the publications pages, surely I can't be the only one.
Personally, I would like to see more on the artists that laid the foundations of where we are today, musically. The journalists 'shoot their best shots' and invariably come up with the goods. More power to their Bic Biro's!
Having said all of that, below is the only article I intensley dislike in the whole of the first re-designed issue. Quite what this idiot is rambling on about, well that is anyone's guess. Less of him please!
london west end company looking for singers and performers......
I have received in this plea for singers for two Soul Music theatre productions. Here are the details. Best of luck:
DEBBIE O’BRIEN
CASTING BREAKDOWNDANCING IN THE STREETS
Producer : Paul Walden and Derek Nichol for Flying Music
Director: Keith Strachan
Choreograher : Carole Todd
Musical Director : Iain Vince Gatt
Dates: Rehearsals from 29 January; Open 12 February – 1 year Equity contracts.
Venue : Playhouse Theatre, London
Auditions From next week in LondonGeneral information:
Ivor Novello Award-winning director Keith Strachan’s hit show DANCING IN THE STREETS, the spectacular celebration of classic music from the heart of the Motor City - Detroit, continues at the Playhouse Theatre.
Motown was a prominent force in breaking down barriers around the world and, equally as important, was responsible for producing some of the world’s most influential and enduring songs of the 20th century. The Dancing in the Streets company and band re-create the energy, style and music of the stars of the Motown stable.
To join the current company at the Playhouse Theatre, we are looking for :
MALE AND FEMALE SINGERS
to play various roles in the company including the following
Must be great blues/soul singers with good movement skills and charisma
SMOKEY ROBINSON/ENSEMBLE :- tenor/strong falsetto to “G”
STEVIE WONDER/ENSEMBLE :- high tenor/strong falsetto
MARVIN GAYE :- tenor/strong falsetto to “D”
LEVI STUBBS :- strong tenor who can chest to “C”
LIONEL RITCHIE :- rich baritone
MC/NARRATOR :- high tenor
MARTHA REEVES/ENSEMBLE :- strong mezzo belt to “E”
DIANA ROSS :- soprano who can “belt” mezzo “E”
TAMMI TERRELL :- strong mezzo to D flat
KIM WESTON :- strong mezzo
GLADYS KNIGHT :- alto/mezzo
3 MALE ENSEMBLE/COVERS : with various ranges from baritone, tenor, good falsetto
1 FEMALE ENSEMBLE/COVER : needs to be a strong soprano and mezzo coverMust be black/African American in heritage or appearance
(Section 5(2)(a) of the Race Relations Act 1976 applies)
Submissions by return with Spotlight number or website link (please, no attachments) to
Debcast@aol.com
or by post to
72 High Street, Ashwell, Near Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 5NSDEBBIE O’BRIEN
CASTING BREAKDOWN
SWEET SOUL MUSIC
Producer : Paul Walden and Derek Nichol for Flying Music
Director: Keith Strachan
Dates: Rehearsals start 1st February 2007
Performances start 18th February 2007
Contract length : Initial contracts three months. Equity contracts.
Venue : UK TOUR
Auditions MONDAY 8th JANUARY IN LONDON and further dates next weekTo honour the 40th anniversary of the first UK joint Stax/Atlantic tour and the 50th Anniversary of the foundation of Stax, the producers of the hit West End shows “Dancing in the Streets” and “The Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas” bring you “Sweet Soul Music”. The show will be a spectacular celebration of the greatest hits from sensational soul legends Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, Arthur Conley, Ben E King, Carla Thomas, Percy Sledge, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Isaac Hayes, Booker T + The MG’s and many more.
To complete the casting on this production we urgently require further suggestions for
MALE AND FEMALE SINGERS
(Leads and on-stage backing/understudies)
Must be excellent blues/soul singers
– fabulous performers with good movement skills
Must be black/African American in heritage or appearance
(Section 5(2)(a) of the Race Relations Act 1976 applies)Please send suggestions as soon as possible (note imminent audition date), to:
Debbie O’Brien Casting
Debcast@aol.commary love comer unwell
I was in conversation with an artist on the AOL Instant messaging system. She lives nearby Mary Love Comer, who is reported to be unwell right now. Details are scarce, however I passed on the best wishes from the Soul fans in the U.K. I hope she has a speedy recovery.
