After Janiva Magness added a 2016 Grammy nomination to her 26 Blues Music Award nominations — with seven wins, including Entertainer of the Year — she might have taken at least a short rest on her laurels. Instead, one of the preeminent voices in contemporary American roots music has raised the bar for herself. This Friday, February 23, the accomplished singer will release her 14th album, Love Is an Army. The album is a brilliantly crafted bridge between the past and present, blending the echoes of classic soul and Americana music with timeless themes of love and the very contemporary sound of protest.
The album’s sound reverberates heavily with the character of the Memphis Rhythm & Blues patented by the Stax and Hi Records studios. However, to just narrow it down to that might be overly overly simplifying what is a dynamic collection of songs that at times drift into roots rock, country and Americana. Magness’ powerful and unmistakeable voice is front and center throughout the album, even with a heavy-hitting list of guests that includes Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica, a duet with Texas singer-songwriter Bryan Stephens, Poco frontman Rusty Young on pedal steel guitar, Delbert McClinton, Cedric Burnside, and banjo virtuoso Courtney Hartman from the band Della Mae. Many of those songs are essentially protest numbers, so it’s fitting they take musical inspiration from the ’60s and ’70s recordings by the likes of The Staple Singers and Al Green, whose lyrics about strength and love cut through the hubris and deceit that surrounded the Civil Rights struggle and the Vietnam War like a laser.
Today Glide is excited to premiere the tune “On and On”. Featuring Rusty Young of Poco on pedal steel and Courtney Hartman of Della Mae, the song is a twangy soul number that seems to carry an uplifting tone and message. Magness’ vocals soar over the pedal steel guitar as she reflects on love and lifts spirits. The harmonies are gospel-like, exuding hope, positivity and soul.
LISTEN:
Love Is An Army is out February 23. For more music and info visit janivamagness.com.
Photo by Margaret Malandruccolo
