Sojourn Arts Reading Group will meet on Tuesday, February 20th at 7PM at 504 E Oak St. for our first listening party and discussion led by Kevin Janes, who selected If All I Was Was Black by Mavis Staples. 

"78-year old soul legend Mavis Staples released a remarkable work of funk-folk in 2017 called If All I Was Was Black. Written and produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, it’s an album that examines American perspectives in divisive times and the compassionate love and understanding it takes to see the world through another’s point of view. Departing from Tweedy’s more typical abstract writing style, he and Staples succinctly address contemporary topics, illustrate universal truths and give compelling calls to action. In this way these songs are not unlike parables – verses that inform and instruct the listener, yet without the self-righteousness that often gives “didacticism” a bad name. With Staples’ singular voice backed by a tight band of virtuoso players, the album challenges preconceived notions, encourages active listening, and implores us to love well. To achieve all this in 35 minutes and it be a joyful listening experience is no small feat." - Kevin Janes