Mavis Staples w/ Ry Cooder and Jim Keltner

[Mike Neer]

I'm very excited about this show at the Apollo Theater in NYC on 5/14. Got my tix. There are a limited number of shows--check your area.

Mavis has a new CD with this band and while I haven't heard it yet (it came out yesterday), I know all the tunes well. Some of them were done by Pops on his records. Mostly spiritual stuff.

[John Macy]

Do you know where the tour schedule is? Man, I'd like to see that one. I am getting the record for sure...

[Iain]

Cool! I'd LOVE to see Cooder blasting away on electric guitar with Keltner, again


...but, sadly, I won't(!)

[David L. Donald]

if it is anything like John Hiatt's album; Bring The Family,
Then this is a not to be missed performance and cd.

[Michael Johnstone]

Check out the background singers - one of which is R&B great Donny Gerrard who also happens to be my cousin in law and bandmate. Donny is arguably the greatest living R&B/soul/Jazz singer alive today.If anyone doubts this check him out.
http://music.aol.com/artist/donny-gerra ... _songsvids

Donny is always working with people like Mavis,Elton John,Forgerty,Seeger,Henley,etc - any of whom he can easily sing rings around.

[Mark Eaton]

I bought this new Mavis CD last week, and I'm really enjoying it. I purchased it because I like Mavis Staples for sure, but Ry Cooder is one of my heroes. Most of the songs are those that were heard during the civil rights movement in the 50's and 60's.

Ry produced, played guitars and mandolin, and the music has that signature Cooder sound.

I waited in line for over two hours several weeks ago at Village Music in Mill Valley, Marin County to get to meet him and have him sign my copy of his new album, "My Name Is Buddy" (had I known it would take two hours plus I wouldn't have bothered-but I'm glad I got to meet him). There was a rumor that he would be playing at a local theater that evening, but when I asked him , his reply was: "No-I'm not playing tonight-after this I'm going for a drink!"

You are very fortunate, Mike. Mavis will be great, and to catch Ry Cooder playing live anywhere has been a rare occurence for many years now-what I wouldn't give to be there for that one!

I checked the schedule, and this gig at the Apollo appears to be the only one on the tour featuring Ry and Jim Keltner. Jim was drumming for T-Bone Burnett during his electric set last fall at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco. What a great drummer-what a pro!

And Michael, you are on the money regarding Donny Gerrard!

[Mike Neer]

due to illness. I'm officially bummed

[Iain]

What a pity.

Who's ill?

[Dan Hatfield]

Michael, thanks for posting that website; You are one lucky dog if you get to play behind a voice like that; you are right, that is about as good as it gets, IMHO. Dan