In case you missed October’s Ryman appearance by the Queen of Soul, you’re in luck. The next best thing to hearing her in person is listening to Nashville’s best cover band play one of her best albums. Since 2004, The Long Players have been treating us to live performances of our favorite classic albums, featuring a who’s who of Nashville guest artists. This time around, they’re spinning Aretha Franklin’s 1968 classic,
Lady Soul. Released on the heels of her first R&B chart-topper
Aretha Arrives,
Lady Soul is packed with some of her biggest hits, including “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone.” Featuring the cream of Nashville’s crop of sidemen, The Long Players painstakingly re-create every nuance, giving their guest singers room to own the songs. Don’t make the mistake of missing the Queen twice.
— Samantha Harlow