Lady Blackbird teases her forthcoming second album, Slang Spirituals, with a super limited vinyl promo. Featuring 5 tracks, only 4 of which have been released to “the press”, it’s a diverse set that tantalises with the possible direction, directions, of the new LP.

First off, there’s the intimate cocktail lounge jazz of the opener, It Must Be Love. Accompanied only by piano and upright bass, and as pitch perfect as Roberta Flack’s recently rediscovered Lost Takes, this could easily have been lifted from the Blackbird’s beautiful debut, Black Acid Soul. Then, listening to the lyrics, you realise, “Shit, hold on. I’ve heard this song before.” Some folks will flash back to 1971, and Labi Siffre’s original folky performance on Top Of The Pops. Others will jump forward a decade to 2-Tone and Madness’ own chart-topping cover. It’s a testament to the Lady’s talent that she makes the tune her own. 

Purify is an authentic Deep Soul stomp. Something that could have rocked and shocked “Northern” dancefloors. Confounded DJs and collectors. ’Cept it ain’t quite that straightforward, and `60s West Coast harmonies add an Age Of Aquarius vibe to the Muscle Shoals, Fame Studios groove.

A hypnotic 6-string figure wraps around Whatever His Name, a beatless belter that has a touch of the rock opera, the Tommys, the Tina Turners, about it. Showered in big blues-y solos and prog-y synthesised effects. Created by a congregation of machines made by ARP, Buchla, and Moog. 

Ms. B then transforms Bettye Swann’s soulful, orchestral `70s revenge drama, When The Game Is Played On You, into swampy New Orleans voodoo. Interwoven with psychedelic raga guitar runs, recalling the rootsy aura of Cassandra Wilson’s New Moon Daughter – especially her reading of U2’s Love Is Blindness – the Blackbird’s team turn in / turn out / turn on a version that’s wickedly wah-wah-ed, heavily echoed, stoned. Finding our heroine strung out on an addictive, victorious kind of sadness, as she delivers her take on the dish best served cold.

Lady Blackbird’s Slang Spirituals Sampler can be purchased today from Sounds Of The Universe, Rough Trade, and Foundation Music.