Music review

Staples wows fans, Takes Them There

Grammy-award-winning R&B/gospel singer Mavis Staples can charm a crowd with her teasing-nurturing manner of a favorite granny or aunt, greeting the folks on the front row and cooing over a youngster.

And, boy, can she ever sing, still with that deep, raspy voice that for decades has proved such a delight to her fans.

Staples performed before a near-packed house Friday in the theater of Pulaski Technical College's new Center for the Humanities and Arts in North Little Rock. Her entrance -- preceded by that of the members of her five-piece entourage of band members and backup singers -- was greeted by a standing ovation.

Wearing a draping black pantsuit and displaying a sprightliness that belied her 76 years, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee assured her audience that "we've come this evening to bring you some joy, some happiness, inspiration, and some positive vibrations." At one point during her performance she recognized audience member and music legend Al Bell, to whom she affectionately referred as "High Pocket." The playful Staples even paused for a few seconds to do the current young people's dance du jour, the Whip/Nae Nae, confessing that she didn't know what came over her sometimes.

The show itself was an easygoing romp punctuated by some intense, gospel-tinged moments. Staples' selection of songs included such numbers as "We're Gonna Make It" and the standing-ovation-eliciting civil-rights anthem "Freedom Highway," which turned into a mini-sermon complete with rattling tambourine. She also delivered a couple of cuts from her new CD, Livin' On a High Note -- "One Love," "Can You Get to That" and "High Note," as well as a few oldie-but-goodies ... a cover of Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" as well as the Staple Singers' hit "Respect Yourself."

The concert was part of the college's weeklong grand-opening celebration for the Center for the Humanities and Arts and was its concert event, which Staples herself acknowledged. "It has really been a ... pleasure to be the first to christen this beautiful, beautiful venue," she said.

The biggest highlight of the concert came with Staples' last number. Yes, she went there ... telling the listeners in song "I'll Take You There" and encouraging them to sing along.

Metro on 02/06/2016

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