Mavis Staples Announces New Album

Legendary vocalist Mavis Staples has revealed plans to issue a new studio album, Livin’ On A High Note via ANTI- Records on February 19. The album was produced by M. Ward and features 12 original songs penned exclusively for Staples by an impressive group of talented songwriters.

Along with a composition from Ward, guest artists tapped to write songs included Neko Case, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, Nick Cave, Ben Harper, tUnE-yArDs, Aloe Blacc, Benjamin Booker, Valerie June, John Baptiste and The Head and the Heart. The new full-length release follows up her EP, Your Good Fortune, issued by ANTI- last April. Give the album track “High Note” a spin:

“I told the writers I was looking for some joyful songs,” said Staples. “I want to leave something to lift people up; I’m so busy making people cry, not from sadness, but I’m always telling a part of history that brought us down and I’m trying to bring us back up.”

Soon after Livin’ On A High Note is released, on February 29th, HBO will debut a feature length documentary film Mavis! about the genre-bending singer and civil rights movement icon. Watch the trailer above.

Livin’ On A High Note Tracklist

1. Take Us Back
2. Love And Trust
3. If It’s A Light
4. Action
5. High Note
6. Don’t Cry
7. Tomorrow
8. Dedicated
9. History Now
10. One Love
11. Jesus Lay Down