Laura Nyro And Labelle

Gonna Take A Miracle

COLUMBIA 1971, £7.90

You say: “Soul classics by the world champion of overenthusiastic reinterpretation.” Scott McCready, Twitter After the intensity of Nyro’s first four albums, a chance to unwind. A meeting with a former inspiration – Patti Labelle of The Bluebelles, girl group sirens who had upgraded to gritty soul-funk trio Labelle – created this set of covers that drew on Nyro and Labelle’s musical roots: multiple first takes (they knew the source material that well) underlined the spirit of liberation and celebration. Dancing In The Street and Spanish Harlem ticked the ‘standards’ box but the doo-wop obscurities were richer still, especially a velveteen Desiree (née Deserie), and an ecstatic The Bells, locked down by some of the most heavenly harmonies on earth.