Howard Tate

[Staxsun]

We just got back from seeing Howard Tate at the Gibson Lounge in Memphis. That man is incredible! For a man his age, he has tremendous pipes. He's billed as the greatest living soul singer, and it's hard to argue with him.

[ScoopJohnD]

I had the pleasure of seeing Howard Tate a few years ago and he is indeed one of the great unsung voices. What made that night even more memorable for me was the fact that legendary producer and songwriter Jerry Ragavoy was there. He produced, arranged and wrote most of Howard's classic lp 'Get It While You Can' as well as his comeback lp. Most of you probably know Janis Joplin's version of that song. Also wrote 'Stop' and 'Time Is On My Side' among a bunch of others.

The encore was naturally 'Get It While You Can', just Howard singing and Jerry Ragavoy on piano. Amazing. After the show I saw Mr. Ragavoy and got the nerve to go up, shake his hand and stammer "Thank you for giving us so much wonderful music". And I'll never forget his classy and sincere reply to me, just a normal schmoe who loves music. "No, thank YOU, because I could never do what I do if it wasn't for people like you."

Pure class. Both of them.

[Staxsun]

That must have been great! A lot of the producers I've met over the years are more interesting than the artists. They seem to me to be more music fans than some of the performers. Actually the guy who produced his latest album played piano behind him. We've been fortunate to see both Howard and Betty Lavette lately in a nice intimate setting.

[ScoopJohnD]

Bettye LaVette is great as well. She sang at Katrina benefit here in Central Park. Her, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Cassandra Wilson, Hubert Sumlin, Ivan Neville and a bunch of others. And then she sang at another park this summer. Opened with a version of Free's 'The Stealer' that just knocked my socks off.

Her and Howard Tate should both play Fest.

Another unsung soul singer who just released a comeback album is Candi Staton. Lived a hard Tina Turner type life, then turned to gospel music, but her new one is a secular release and it's supposed to be fantastic.
http://www.candi-staton.com/

And Solomon Burke's new country album 'Nashville is friggin unbelievable.

[Staxsun]

I've been a Candi Staton fan for a long time. I even have some of her gospel stuff. I didn't know she'd put out a new secular album. Got to have that. "Young Hearts Run Free" is even a good disco tune.