One of the best voices, in one of the best music documentaries I’ve seen.
It’s about Mavis, but Pops is also featured, but her brother and sisters aren’t really discussed. But Mavis - what a force, what a life: Dr. King, Dylan, The Band, Bonnie Raitt, Prince, Chuck D, who refers to her as “Miss Mavis” - the respect for her as a talent and a person is there for all to see.
And the music - o man. Pops’s Delta Blues beginnings are named, and his unique style is briefly discussed. But overall, it’s a great guitar-forward, Blues-based gospel showcase. The sheer quality of it kept hitting me. And Mavis’s current guitarist and music director, Rick Holmstrom, is a Tele master blues badass. Such a huge talent who keeps the groove right in Mavis’s pocket. So good.
There’s only one reference to Aretha - Stax Records head Al Bell says he tried to make Mavis a star because “look at Aretha, and Aretha is no Mavis.” Hmm. It’s more like one is like Ella Fitzgerald and one like Sarah Vaughn - both masters, each with their strengths.
Anyone seen it?