Roy Ayers’ Timeless Grooves Reimagined: Delfonic Reworked EP #1

Few artists embody the warmth, groove, and soul of jazz-funk like Roy Ayers. His timeless compositions have inspired generations of musicians, DJs, and producers. With Delfonic Reworked EP #1, the legendary vibraphonist’s music is given fresh new life for 2025, offering listeners a dancefloor-ready reinterpretation while preserving the sensual spirit that made the originals so enduring.

Released on BBE (Barely Breaking Even), the project pulls from the Virgin Ubiquity sessions—unreleased gems Ayers recorded in the late 1970s that were rediscovered and issued decades later. Berlin-based producer Delfonic takes four of these rare tracks and injects them with new rhythmic energy, creating reworks that sound both vintage and modern, soulful and club-ready.

The EP includes:

• Green & Gold (Delfonic rework)

• What’s The T (Delfonic edit)

• Sugar (Delfonic rework)

• Oh What A Lonely Feeling (Delfonic edit)

Each cut retains Ayers’ signature jazz-funk vibe—shimmering vibraphone tones, silky vocal phrasing, and warm grooves—while adding crisp new arrangements and subtle production layers that bring them forward into today’s sound system culture.

Roy Ayers: The Godfather of Neo-Soul and Jazz-Funk

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Roy Ayers began his career as a jazz vibraphonist, working alongside luminaries like Herbie Mann before stepping out as a bandleader in the late 1960s. By the 1970s, he had carved a unique niche at the crossroads of jazz, funk, and soul. His group Roy Ayers Ubiquity became a vehicle for exploring new grooves that were equal parts improvisational and danceable.

Ayers penned classics such as Everybody Loves the Sunshine, Running Away, and Searchin’, songs that remain cornerstones of jazz-funk and have been sampled endlessly in hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. His influence is so wide-reaching that he’s often called the “Godfather of Neo-Soul”, bridging the gap between jazz’s improvisational depth and soul music’s accessibility.

Even in his 80s, Ayers continued to tour and collaborate, proving that his music’s warmth and message remain timeless.

Delfonic: Reimagining the Groove

Delfonic (real name Markus Lindner) is a Berlin-based DJ, selector, and producer known for his deep crates and forward-thinking edits. A respected figure in Europe’s underground music scene, Delfonic has long specialized in reinterpreting classics with a fresh touch—maintaining their soul while reworking them for today’s dancefloors.

On Delfonic Reworked EP #1, he approaches Ayers’ music with reverence, amplifying the rhythmic pulse and layering grooves that highlight the sensual, righteous energy at the core of Ayers’ work. The result is a set of tracks that feel both reverent to the past and relevant to the present.

A Bridge Between Eras

With this first volume, Delfonic Reworked EP #1 offers a perfect entry point for new listeners and longtime Ayers fans alike. The EP captures the timeless spirit of Ayers’ 1970s recordings while reshaping them for a new generation of clubgoers and vinyl collectors. For anyone who has ever felt the radiant joy of Everybody Loves the Sunshine or the infectious drive of Running Away, these reworks are both a tribute and a continuation.

Ben Garnett Soars with Sophomore Acoustic Masterpiece Kite’s Keep

For fans of acoustic guitar music, Ben Garnett’s sophomore studio album Kite’s Keep is a revelation. Blending storytelling, orchestral textures, and world-building atmospheres, Garnett crafts vivid soundscapes where the guitar acts as both centerpiece and collaborator. Drawing inspiration from jazz, string band, and classical traditions, the album transcends genre, creating an intimate and innovative sonic space.

Featuring an all-star ensemble—Darol Anger and Brittany Haas on fiddle, Ethan Jodziewicz and Paul Kowert on bass, Chris Eldridge on guitar, and Matt Glassmeyer on piano—Kite’s Keep thrives on dynamic interplay and collective improvisation. Each musician contributes to Garnett’s inventive yet familiar compositions, resulting in music that feels both exploratory and welcoming.

The Musicians Behind the Music

• Ben Garnett (guitar, composer): A rising force in modern acoustic music, Garnett is known for his boundary-pushing compositions that merge folk, jazz, and classical elements. His playing blends technical brilliance with lyrical sensitivity, making him one of the most forward-thinking voices of his generation.

• Darol Anger (fiddle): A pioneering figure in contemporary string music, Anger has been a driving force in progressive bluegrass and jazz since his early days with the David Grisman Quintet and Turtle Island String Quartet. His improvisational energy brings a daring, exploratory spirit to the album.

• Brittany Haas (fiddle): Widely regarded as one of the finest fiddlers of her generation, Haas has played with Crooked Still, Hawktail, and Gillian Welch. Her lyrical tone and deep knowledge of old-time traditions add warmth and depth to Garnett’s compositions.

• Ethan Jodziewicz (bass): Known for his versatility across classical, jazz, and folk, Jodziewicz has collaborated with musicians such as Béla Fleck and Sierra Hull. His grounding yet melodic bass playing anchors the ensemble with finesse.

• Paul Kowert (bass): A core member of Punch Brothers, Kowert has redefined the role of the double bass in modern acoustic music. His resonant tone and rhythmic sensitivity provide a powerful counterpoint to Garnett’s guitar.

• Chris Eldridge (guitar): As a founding member of Punch Brothers and longtime guitarist in the progressive bluegrass scene, Eldridge’s elegant, clear-toned style bridges tradition and innovation. His interplay with Garnett adds sparkle and momentum.

• Matt Glassmeyer (piano): A creative improviser and composer, Glassmeyer’s piano textures bring harmonic depth and color to Kite’s Keep. His collaborative sensibilities make him a subtle yet essential presence in the ensemble.

An Album for Guitar Lovers and Beyond

Garnett demonstrates an uncanny ability to harness the guitar’s full expressive range without overpowering the ensemble. Listeners are treated to lush, resonant tapestries that invite repeated listening, offering a deep, immersive experience. With Kite’s Keep, Garnett firmly establishes himself as one of modern acoustic music’s leading innovators, delivering a work that celebrates the acoustic guitar while serving as a sonic refuge for all who engage with it.

---

Tracklisting

Disc 1 – Side 1

1. Look Again

2. Tell Me About You

3. Cellar Door

4. Sebastian's Garden

5. The Clockmaker

6. Apocalypse Club

7. A Place For The In Between

8. Post Office Prodigies

9. Somewhere Near Hope

Guitari Baro: A Transcendent Dialogue of West African Strings and Rhythm

Guitari Baro—which translates to “Guitar Conversations”—is the debut instrumental project from a remarkable trio of griot musicians from Guinea and Mali. Guitarists Gaoussou Kouyate and Kerfala Diabate join master balafonist Lassana Diabate to create a mesmerizing dialogue rooted in the rich Mande griot tradition.

Drawing from regional styles of the Mande repertoire while seamlessly weaving in jazz, Congolese rumba, rock and roll, Guinean dance band grooves, and Cuban influences, Guitari Baro evokes both the historical lineage and contemporary vitality of West African music. Each track showcases the trio’s extraordinary virtuosity, intricate improvisation, and intuitive interplay, producing a sound that is at once ancestral, cosmopolitan, and futuristic.

The album is the first new release on Chrysalis Global, a label dedicated to international jazz and folk, following acclaimed reissues of Toumani Diabate’s New Ancient Strings and Kaira. The ensemble’s electrifying live debut at the 2025 Dakar Music Expo captured audiences and critics alike, offering a thrilling glimpse into the trio’s exhilarating stage presence and dynamic chemistry.

Mastered by Phil Kinrade at AIR Mastering, the album is available on CD with an 8-page booklet featuring in-depth sleeve notes by co-producer Lucy Duran, and also on 140g LP vinyl with accompanying notes. Guitari Baro is a compelling introduction to a group whose musical conversations transcend borders and generations, reaffirming the timeless power of the griot tradition while inviting modern listeners into a vibrant world of cross-cultural sound.

Tracklisting:
Disc 1 – Side 1

1. Guitari Baro

2. Mamelles

3. Bambougou

4. Lamban Blues

5. Kolonkan

6. Sobrasito

7. Hommage A La Rumba Congolaise

8. Sokona

---

Francois & Sylvain Rabbath Launch Amall – A Global Jazz-Funk Odyssey

Legendary composer and double bassist Francois Rabbath joins forces with his son, pianist and producer Sylvain Rabbath, on Amall, the debut album of the Rabbath Electric Orchestra. Featuring stellar guest appearances from Keziah Jones, Matthieu Chedid, Victor Wooten, Laurent de Wilde, and Minino Garay, the album is a richly orchestrated journey through jazz-funk fusion infused with Middle Eastern influences. Francois Rabbath also contributes original artwork and a printed sleeve, making Amall a complete artistic statement.

Over six years of international touring, the Rabbaths absorbed diverse musical traditions, translating them into compositions that reflect their global travels. Since the early 1960s, Francois Rabbath’s double bass has shaped landmark recordings across genres, collaborating with icons such as Barbara, Paco Ibanez, Charles Aznavour, and Edith Piaf. Now, together with Sylvain, he channels decades of experience into a record that pulses with life, rhythm, and cinematic sweep.

The album’s tracks are vibrant expressions of cultural fusion: Keziah Jones and Matthieu Chedid bring their guitar prowess, Laurent de Wilde’s piano and Victor Wooten’s bass add depth and groove, while Raphael Imbert’s saxophone and Minino Garay’s percussion create a rhythmic and harmonic tapestry that moves seamlessly between open plains, urban funk, and intimate, shadowy spaces. Every note reflects meticulous studio refinement, transforming a wealth of global inspiration into a coherent, compelling musical narrative.

Amall is a celebration of global jazz-fusion, honoring tradition while fearlessly exploring new sonic territories—a record that rewards close listening while offering instant emotional resonance.

Tracklisting:
Disc 1
Side 1

1. Sevillana

2. 66 Grand St

3. Samares

4. Espoir

5. Atoun

Side 2

1. Twin City

2. Camomille

3. Samir

4. Creation

Ruby Rushton Unveils Legacy! – A Bold, Expansive Fifth Studio Album

Ruby Rushton, one of the UK’s most influential contemporary jazz ensembles, returns with their fifth studio album, Legacy!, marking a bold new chapter in the band’s storied career. Co-written by bandleader Tenderlonious and keyboardist Aidan Shepherd, the record expands the quartet’s sound while retaining the infectious energy and tight interplay that have become their hallmark.

In the past, Ruby Rushton’s recordings were defined by a “one take” live approach, deliberately avoiding overdubs to capture the immediacy of the performance. For Legacy!, however, the group—also featuring trumpeter Nick Walters and drummer Tim Carnegie—embraced the studio as an instrument. Layered horn and flute lines were added atop the original live takes, giving the album a wider sonic spectrum and a new depth of texture. The result is an album that feels both expansive and intimate, allowing each musician’s virtuosity to shine in a rich, immersive soundscape.

Recorded over four joyous days in January 2025 at Kent’s Rimshot Studios, Legacy! captures a band at the height of its powers. Between the laughter, inside jokes, and camaraderie, the quartet delivered performances of remarkable cohesion and freedom. Fourteen years after the release of Two for Joy, Ruby Rushton demonstrates that their creativity continues to evolve—melding catchy riffs, heady grooves, and lyrical melodies with a newfound maturity and sense of belonging.

The album is available on heavyweight black vinyl with gatefold sleeve, collectible inserts featuring each band member, and black poly liners, as well as a 6-panel digipak CD edition. With Legacy!, Ruby Rushton affirms their position as one of the UK’s most adventurous and enduring jazz ensembles.

Personnel:

• Tenderlonious – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, alto flute, piccolo, percussion

• Nick Walters – trumpet, percussion

• Aidan Shepherd – piano, synthesizer, percussion

• Tim Carnegie – drums, percussion

Tracklisting:
Disc 1
Side 1

1. An (other) Introduction

2. Charlie's Way

3. Theme from Legacy! (Part 1)

4. La Nina

5. Otto

Side 2

1. Walk to Regio's

2. Theme from Legacy! (Part 2)

3. Shadows

4. The Lighthouse

5. Theme from Legacy! (Part 3)

Roy Ayers Ubiquity’s “Change Up the Groove”: A Jazz-Funk Masterpiece of the 1970s

Roy Ayers’ 1974 album Change Up the Groove stands as a quintessential document of jazz-funk innovation, blending soulful jazz roots with the crisp rhythms of 1970s funk. With his unmistakable vibraphone leading the way, Ayers bridges the worlds of jazz improvisation and infectious funk grooves, making the album a must-have for fans of both genres.

Featuring standout tracks such as The Boogie Back—sampled by NWA, 2Pac, and De La Soul—and the title track Change Up the Groove, the record showcases Ayers’ gift for melody, rhythm, and tight arrangements. Other highlights include a lush, electrified rendition of Feel Like Makin’ Love that glows with mellow soul, demonstrating Ayers’ ability to weave emotion and groove seamlessly. The LP’s instrumental richness is enhanced by contributions from jazz greats such as legendary drummer Bernard Purdie, and subtle string arrangements that heighten the album’s depth and texture.

Change Up the Groove reflects Ayers’ artistic evolution during his early Polygram years, when he was transitioning from his jazz roots toward the rhythmic snap of the 1970s funk revolution. While often overshadowed by his more commercially successful works, this album is a masterclass in jazz-funk fusion, offering a snapshot of an artist at the height of his creativity.

Born in Los Angeles in 1940, Roy Ayers is one of the most influential vibraphonists and composers in jazz and funk history. His career spans more than six decades, during which he has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of modern jazz, soul, and R&B. Known for his innovative work with Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Ayers helped pioneer jazz-funk and acid jazz, inspiring countless artists across genres. A prolific collaborator, he has worked with Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Fela Kuti, and contemporary hip-hop artists, leaving an indelible mark on multiple generations of music.

With Change Up the Groove, Ayers captured a moment in time where jazz sophistication met the irresistible drive of funk—a timeless record that continues to influence and inspire.

Pharoah Sanders, Tony Williams & Carlos Santana Ignite the 11th Annual Bammies Live Broadcast

Jazz, fusion, and rock collide in an unforgettable historic performance from the 11th Annual Bammies (Bay Area Music Awards), recorded live in 1988 at San Francisco's Civic Auditorium and broadcast on KFOG-FM. This once-in-a-lifetime convergence brought together three musical giants: saxophone visionary Pharoah Sanders, drumming legend Tony Williams, and guitar icon Carlos Santana.

The set seamlessly blends spiritual jazz, explosive fusion, and Santana’s Latin rock fire. Each track captures the improvisational brilliance of these trailblazers as they communicate in real time, pushing the boundaries of genre while remaining deeply soulful. From the soaring intensity of Cloud Nine and Giant Steps to the meditative transcendence of The Creator Has A Master Plan, this performance is a rare snapshot of artistry at its most liberated. Little Rock’s Blues closes the set with a fiery groove, showcasing the chemistry of three masters locked in cosmic conversation.

Pharoah Sanders – Born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1940, Sanders emerged as one of the most influential saxophonists in spiritual jazz. Known for his overblowing, multiphonics, and passionate, ecstatic sound, he rose to prominence in the 1960s working with John Coltrane. Sanders’ music often explores transcendence, social consciousness, and cosmic themes, leaving a lasting imprint on jazz history with albums such as Karma and Thembi.

Tony Williams – A prodigy from Chicago, Williams joined Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet at just 17, revolutionizing jazz drumming with polyrhythms, syncopation, and extraordinary technical skill. Throughout his career, he led the fusion group Lifetime and collaborated with a wide array of artists, from Herbie Hancock to Jimi Hendrix. Williams’ approach redefined rhythm in modern jazz and inspired generations of drummers.

Carlos Santana – Born in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico, Santana became a global icon by fusing rock, Latin music, blues, and jazz into a singular, passionate sound. His signature tone and expressive guitar work have earned him multiple Grammys, including for the album Supernatural. Santana’s ability to blend genres seamlessly made him a natural partner for the improvisational worlds of Sanders and Williams.

Recorded live for radio broadcast, this release preserves the electric energy and spontaneity of the evening, offering listeners a front-row experience to a historic musical dialogue. For fans of jazz, fusion, and guitar virtuosity, this live broadcast is a document of unparalleled creativity and historic significance.

---

Tracklisting:

Disc 1
Side 1

1. Cloud Nine

2. After The Morning

3. Giant Steps

4. The Creator Has A Master Plan

5. Little Rock's Blues

Steve Clarke’s NETWORK Returns with Connected – A Celebration of Jazz Fusion Excellence

NETWORK, the pioneering jazz fusion ensemble conceived by London drummer Steve Clarke, continues to assert its influence on the UK and international jazz scene with the release of Connected. Clarke, a fixture on the UK music circuit since the late 1970s, first made his mark with progressive rock band Quasar before assembling a group of exceptional musicians to form the core of NETWORK.

The lineup features Clarke on drums, Tim Crowther on guitar, Pete Jacobson on keyboards, Laurence Cottle on bass, and Ted Emmett on trumpet. Over the years, NETWORK’s recordings have been enriched by contributions from some of the jazz world’s most respected figures, including Jan Hammer, Jack Bruce, Larry Coryell, Randy Brecker, Dean Brown, Hadrien Feraud, and Tom Coster Jr. These collaborations helped shape NETWORK into a fusion powerhouse known for its inventive arrangements, virtuosic performances, and adventurous improvisation.

Connected is a carefully curated collection of compositions spanning NETWORK’s history, remastered and reissued to highlight the band’s innovation and impact. From the intricate grooves of The Little Blue Book to the explosive energy of Celestial Terrestrial Commuters, the album demonstrates the group’s ability to navigate complex rhythms, lush harmonies, and genre-defying textures with ease. TRACKS like Manic Depression and Deferred Gratification Pt 1 showcase both the technical brilliance of the musicians and the creative vision of Clarke as a bandleader.

This release marks the first in a series of remastered and new NETWORK albums, offering both longtime fans and new listeners an opportunity to experience the depth, excitement, and enduring influence of one of the UK’s seminal jazz fusion acts. Connected is a testament to Clarke’s lifelong dedication to music, and a celebration of the collaborative spirit that has always defined NETWORK.

---

Tracklisting:

Disc 1
Side 1

1. The Little Blue Book

2. Sittin' On The Dock of The Bus

3. Manic Depression

4. Hyperventilation

5. Deferred Gratification Pt 1

6. The Impending Death of Veronica Braithwaite

7. Celestial Terrestrial Commuters

8. L21

9. Vespers

10. L.N.C. Revisited

11. Dennis The Menace

12. Looking Into Space

Sidney Barnes Defies Time with Outstanding – A Soulful Celebration at 84

There are not many artists who can claim a brand-new album release at 84, but Sidney Barnes has never followed the usual path. His latest project, aptly titled Outstanding, is a collaboration with legendary UK producer and Northern Soul pioneer Ian Levine. The album delivers an impressive 18 new recordings plus three previously released bonus tracks, highlighting a career that has spanned an incredible 65 years in the ever-turbulent world of music.

Outstanding includes the monster single Standing on Solid Ground as well as Man in a Million and Dancing on the Weekend, all exemplifying Barnes’ signature blend of soul, funk, and rhythm-driven grooves. Fans will also find standout interpretations of classic material. Heart Trouble, co-written with George Clinton for The Parliaments in 1966, is recorded by Barnes for the first time, while his rendition of Anthony Newley’s Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory showcases Barnes’ tender, emotive phrasing.

Vocals take center stage with four duets featuring London-based Tahira Jumah, including the infectious Diversion and high-energy Back to Back. Additional duets with The Flirtations enrich the album’s texture, creating a dynamic interplay between veteran soul mastery and vibrant collaborative energy.

Barnes’ career traces back to the early 1960s as a Motown writer, with credits for George Clinton, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, and B.B. King, among many others. Over six decades, he has appeared on over 150 albums and compilations, proving himself an enduring innovator of soul music.

Released to coincide with his UK Tour, Outstanding is an album designed to make listeners smile, move, and celebrate life with Barnes’ unwavering vitality. Like the man himself, it lives up to its name.

Rolf Thofte Debuts with Martha’s Dance on April Records

April Records proudly presents the debut album from trumpeter and composer Rolf Thofte, a vivid and personal work that balances lyrical melodies, inventive rhythms, and subtle harmonic exploration. Written during his early years of fatherhood, Martha’s Dance captures moments of joy, reflection, and experimentation, brought to life by a handpicked quintet of Denmark’s most exciting young jazz talents.

The title track, dedicated to Thofte’s three-year-old daughter, sets the tone: a playful, clapping, goat-hoof-stomping tune in quirky 5/4 that channels the spontaneity and delight of childhood. “It’s just a fun tune to play, and I feel like it really captures Martha’s spirit,” Thofte explains. “This band came together at a time when I was trying to find balance as a new father, so it felt right to make this the centerpiece.”

The album gracefully shifts through moods and textures. Vice Versa, inspired by Wayne Shorter’s ability to refract simple melodies through shifting harmonies, brims with layered intrigue. Changing Tides reflects on the subtle transformations in life, nature, and politics, while Bendico—written in only 15 minutes as a conservatory assignment—highlights Thofte’s flair for memorable melodic statements. Dunkelflaute evokes Nordic melancholy with sparse, emotive phrasing, contrasting with the swaggering second-line grooves of The Big 5 and the hypnotic pulse of All….

Throughout, Thofte’s trumpet and flugelhorn guide the ensemble with warmth, clarity, and emotional depth. His quintet amplifies this vision: Andreas Toftemark (tenor saxophone) infuses the music with NYC-honed fire and detail; Rasmus Sørensen (piano) offers sensitive, exploratory interaction; and longtime collaborators Jakob Roland (bass) and Henrik Holst (drums) provide rhythmic drive, deep swing, and empathic grounding.

With Martha’s Dance, Rolf Thofte delivers a confident, cohesive debut—rooted in jazz tradition yet brimming with forward-thinking ideas. His nuanced writing and expressive playing mark him as a compelling new voice on the European jazz landscape.

JD Allen Explores the Heart of the Great American Songbook on His New Ballad-Focused Album

Tenor saxophonist JD Allen, renowned for pushing the boundaries of modern jazz with electronics and advanced compositional techniques, takes a strikingly intimate turn with his latest release. Departing from his signature experimental approach, Allen presents an album composed entirely of ballads from the Great American Songbook, offering listeners a warm, introspective, and deeply lyrical side of his artistry.

For this project, Allen expands his usual chordless trio by adding pianist Brandon McCune to the ensemble, joining longtime collaborators Ian Kenselaar on bass and Nic Cacioppo on drums. The inclusion of piano provides a lush harmonic layer, enriching the group’s sound and allowing Allen to explore the emotional depth and nuance of each composition. The ensemble approaches these classic tunes with clarity, restraint, and quiet power, creating an intimate musical conversation that resonates with both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and new listeners.

The album’s tracklist reads like a masterclass in ballad interpretation: from the tender vulnerability of You Are Too Beautiful to the poignant longing of I Get Along Without You Very Well and the timeless elegance of Stardust. Each performance highlights Allen’s ability to combine technical mastery with heartfelt expression, weaving a narrative that feels personal and universal at once.

Allen’s decision to focus on these timeless standards is a testament to his versatility as an artist. By slowing down and emphasizing melody, harmony, and emotional resonance, he offers a fresh perspective on the music that has shaped generations of jazz musicians. The collaboration between Allen, McCune, Kenselaar, and Cacioppo captures a rare intimacy, demonstrating the power of listening, responding, and creating as a unified ensemble.

For fans of nuanced, expressive jazz, this album is a deeply satisfying exploration of the human heart through song. It reveals a reflective, contemplative side of JD Allen, one that embraces beauty, emotion, and connection in every note.

Tracklisting

1. You Are Too Beautiful

2. I Get Along Without You Very Well

3. Don't Go to Strangers

4. Where Are You?

5. My Buddy

6. I Love You

7. Stardust

8. Tell the Story

---

Mavis Staples Returns With Sad and Beautiful World: A Celebration of Community and Timeless Music

Legendary singer Mavis Staples is set to release her much-anticipated new album, Sad and Beautiful World, via Anti Records. Known for her enduring voice, fearless artistry, and decades-long contributions to American music, Staples continues to bridge generations with her unmistakable sound.

Produced by Brad Cook, Sad and Beautiful World is a masterful exploration of seven decades of the American songbook. The album reimagines songs by artists as diverse as Tom Waits, Sparklehorse, Gillian Welch, and Frank Ocean, reflecting Mavis’ ability to make any song uniquely her own.

The spirit of collaboration is central to the project. Cook envisioned the album in the tradition of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Will the Circle Be Unbroken, bringing together a community of musicians to celebrate Mavis’ artistry. Collaborators on the album include Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Tweedy, Derek Trucks, Katie Crutchfield, MJ Lenderman, and Justin Vernon, each contributing their own voice to a project steeped in shared history and musical reverence.

Staples’ accolades speak for themselves: Blues, Rock, and Gospel Hall of Fame inductee, Kennedy Center Honoree, multiple GRAMMY Award winner, and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award, she has collaborated with legends from Bob Dylan to Prince, Aretha Franklin to Willie Nelson, as well as countless artists from later generations. Sad and Beautiful World reaffirms why Mavis Staples remains a vital and inspiring figure in music today.

Tracklist

Disc 1 / Side 1:

1. Chicago

2. Beautiful Strangers

3. Sad and Beautiful World

4. Human Mind

5. Hard Times

Disc 1 / Side 2:

1. Godspeed

2. We Got to Have Peace

3. Anthem

4. Satisfied Mind

5. Everybody Needs Love