Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

'Spirituals And Gospels' is a tribute to the greatest gospel singer of all time, Mahalia Jackson. Taking a Mahalia-style "simple is best" approach. Staples sings to the piano or organ accompaniment of Peterson. 10 million miles away from her recent recordings for Prince's Paisley Park label. This is a return to the singer's roots when a very young Mavis hung with Mahalia. The song selection is a little obvious - "Swing Low", "Were You There?" and "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands", etc but Staples' voice thrives in this uncluttered environment. Simple songs from a simpler time still have a power in the hands of Peterson's skilful playing creating a groove of his own (check out "Wade In The Water") while Staples pours everything into her soaring and swooping intense vocal. My faves are the rasping but emotionally charged "Precious Lord" and the joyful "I'll Fly Away" which features some fine Hammond playing from Peterson's gliding fingers. "Go Down Moses" is another opportunity to hear Peterson and Staples in perfect union - Staples' passionate gospelising and Peterson's quite frankly brilliant improvisational playing. Superb!

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