Description
A true soul great, Bettye LaVette recorded a string of fantastic cuts in the 60s, and her fire has never diminished. The past decade has brought some of her best work, blending emphatic experience with a broader sense of songwriting.
Bettye LaVette is still going strong at 77, and has just announced new album LaVette!, which will be out June 16. Produced once again by Steve Jordan, this album features songs all written by Randall Bramblett. “I think he’s the best songwriter I’ve heard in the past 30 years,” says LaVette, “and I just discovered him eight years ago.” Bettye’s band for the album features Pino Palladino on bass, Larry Campbell and Chris Bruce on guitar, and Leon Pendarvis on keyboards, with contributions from John Mayer, Jon Batiste, Anthony Hamilton, Steve Winwood, Ray Parker Jr., Rev. Charles Hodges, James Carter and Pedrito Martinez.
*From her mighty back-catalogue, definitely check out ‘Things Have Changed’ where she expertly & confidently covers and reimagines Dylan’s work as robust, old-school soul and R&B. LaVette is throaty and vibrant, stamping herself on the songs assertively. Import only, but we can definitely track it down for you.
