alent on ‘Brighter Days’ than
recent LPs?
Growing up in church, we would
practice old hymns as upbeat and
mid-tempo song transitions, all to
bring joy and bring folks togeth-
er. That had an impact on songs
on ‘Brighter Days’: ‘Baptize Me,’
‘Don’t Fight,’ ‘Have Mercy,’ ‘Simple
Man.’ Why else is ‘Brighter Days’ a
special album for you?
‘Brighter Days’ is a special album
because we were able to capture
all the elements I truly love and
are inspired by: blues, rock, gos-
pel, funk. Also, bringing in the
choir and having my sister record
and sing great vocals were awe-
some.
What role did producer and
songwriting collaborator Dave
Cobb have in helping you circle
back to your gospel roots?
Dave Cobb, who also so grew
up in the Pentecostal Church, was
helpful in bringing it all together
with sounds, choir, great guitar,
drum tones and great vocals. The
goal was to make timeless music. Is there any track in particu-
lar of which you are especially
proud and why?
My favorite song, ‘Cry Over Me,’
really captures great guitar solos
and tone. I always wanted a song
to have my sister really lead by
herself and sing soulfully.
w
Bob Makin is the reporter for Home News
& Tribune and a former managing editor of
The Aquarian Weekly, which launched this
column in 1988. Contact him via email and
like Makin Waves on Facebook.
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