Richie Havens reached back to the past for a couple of songs on his 26th album, “Grace of the Sun.” The singer/songwriter complemented six originals by covering Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” and Joni Mitchell’s classic “Woodstock.”
When asked why those two, Havens said: “You know, we face the same struggles now as we did then.”
Havens performs Sunday in Seattle.
Havens first made his mark at Woodstock with a legendary three-hour opening performance (the concert’s logistics were still being worked out and he had to fill in). When he ran out of songs, he improvised one based on the spiritual “Motherless Child.” “Freedom” became one of the generation’s anthems.
Havens has had a remarkable run of walking his talk with messages of brotherhood and personal freedom while staying afloat in a shape-changing industry.
A Billboard critic wrote: “… the acoustic soul giant truly seems to be getting more inspiring and graceful with age”; Guitar Player magazine said: “He’s lost none of his power to enthrall and enchant … as vibrant and purposeful as ever.”
In 2003, the National Music Council awarded Havens the American Eagle Award for providing “a rare and inspiring voice of eloquence, integrity and social responsibility.”
Flowmotion: The Seattle band’s funk, jazz, rock and Latin-influenced beats will create a cross-cultural experience tonight in Everett. Expect multiple rhythms, high energy and dance celebrations before the night is over.
Rosalie Sorrels: The singer/songwriter still lives in the log cabin that her father built, 30 miles outside Boise, Idaho. Occasionally the folklorist comes out into the world to sing, a trip she’ll make for a Sunday show in Seattle. Expect songs from English ballads to Mormon tunes as she showcases the oral tradition.
Asylum Street Spankers: The Austin acoustic outfit will bring energy, swing, originality, jazz, washboards, country, clarinets and saxophones, blues, ukuleles and steel guitars to Seattle for two shows on Saturday. Expect a party atmosphere.
Nancy Sinatra: “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” is almost 40 years old, but it’s doubtful that Sinatra could leave the stage without singing her No. 1 hit at her Wednesday show in Seattle. Package that with “So Long Babe” and “How Does That Grab You Darlin’?” and you have the instant chick-in-charge label.
Richie Havens performs Sunday in Seattle.
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