MAVIS STAPLES

Live In London ★★★★

Gospel soul legend Mavis, 79, is captured at the Union Chapel last year, a beautiful venue where she evidently feels at home. A strong presence and a sense of history is implicit in everything Mavis sings. Most impressive is the way contemporary songs furnished by others – such as Jeff Tweedy and Ben Harper – extend a legacy represented by songs from her father Pops and Curtis Mayfield. Still pushing for higher ground.