Doctor Mooney's 115th Dream: Soul Survivor: Mavis Staples, “Creep Along, Moses”

A sinister guitar line lurks behind 71-year-old Mavis Staples’ spirited husky contralto, as the soul chanteuse sings in harmony during the thunder-infected refrain: “Creep along Moses Moses creep along / Creep Along Moses I Thank God,”

For her latest release, Gospel’s leading light, Mavis Staples has teamed up with Wilco frontman, Jeff Tweedy for her 13th solo album and Anti- records sophomore release, You Are Not Alone. Recorded at Wilco’s studio The Loft, You Are Not Alone is an evenhanded glorious collection of traditional numbers and covers: Pops Staples, Randy Newman, Allen Toussaint, John Fogerty, Reverend Gary Davis and Little Milton. Plus, a pair of tracks penned by the album’s producer Jeff Tweedy, “You Are Not Alone” and “Only The Lord Knows.”

“Creep Along, Moses” is the go to cut for many of the doctors and nursemaids here at the asylum. A rolling, triumphant take on a Traditional that Mavis learned from her father, the Patriarch of the Staples Singers, Pops. The vocals are heavenly and the short grumpy guitar bursts shine.

Mavis Staples, vocals; Rick Holmstrom, guitar, vocals; Jeff Turmes, bass, vocals; Stephen Hodges, drums; Kelly Hogan, Nora O’Connor, Donny Gerrard, background vocals.

Take Up Thy Rock 'N Roll Stethoscope and Walk,