Richie Havens:

Mixed Bag: (1967)

Richie Havens debut album is a show stopper filled with his propulsive rhythm playing and powerful voice. I mean seriously, the commanding power contained in his vocal chords is staggering. It had not diminished one iota when I saw him perform in the early part of the twenty first century. After the show, I met him offstage. The generosity, grace and humanity that he transmitted through a tender handshake was ground shaking, and a memory I will always treasure. My mother was at the show with me, and she ran into him right before he took the stage. She mentioned to him that she had not seen him perform since the late 60's in Jackson, MS, to which he responded with a warm hug, and the words, "Aren't we glad we made it through those times." Years later his voice would bring tears and comfort at my brother's funeral. 

        Some artists evolve over time, and some arrive fully formed. Richie Havens is one of the latter, and it's all here in this first album, the generosity, the humanity, the deep rich soul of a compassionate passionate man.