From the opening track Down in Mississippi, I was hooked. This is a powerful recording from one of the great singers in the world – emotionally chilling and spiritually uplifting. The album definitely benefits from the great supporting cast that includes producer Ry Cooder (guitar, mandolin), Mike Elizondo (bass), Jim Keltner (drums), Joachim Cooder (percussion) and the stirring voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the original Freedom Singers. Staples was a strong activist in the 1960s civil rights movement: this collection really reflects those times.

Phil Richards is from Readings Carlton