Mavis Staples at the Fremont
Mavis Staples came into this evening as a bearer of Good News, and a voice of joy. For her, this has been a lifetime calling, starting with her family band, the Staple Singers. Fremont Theater was transformed into a living room as she made you feel as if you were there for an intimate house concert. Instead of being a fan watching a performance, one felt more like an invited guest as she talked to you while she drank smoothing tea.
She loved conversing, laughing when she learned San Luis Obispo’s loving acronym is SLO. She kept saying “S----L-----O” getting a kick out of its alternate meaning of the slower and gentler lifestyle.
Rick Holmstrom, her longtime guitarist has more than ably filled the big shoes that were originally held by her beloved Father, “Pops” Staples. At times, he laughed and smiled appreciably as she sang. They shared interchangeable musical play in “Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha Na Boom Boom).” The two of them work as musical partners, while team members Steve Mugalian on drums and Gregory Boaz on bass performed as valuable support accomplices. All three with their backgrounds from their time as part of the West Coast blues scene show strength and virtuosity.
Favorite “Respect Yourself” carries words that more than ever ring true today in a world of selfishness and arrogance. Its meaning of treating others with kindness and oneself staying humble are needed now more than ever.
As a social warrior Staples continues to fight the “Good Fight” to demonstrate the advantages of a diverse society. The song, the “Army of Love” is proof.
