Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens @ Joe's Pub, NYC - pics

photos by Jacob Blickenstaff

Naomi Shelton has been performing for nearly 40 years, but this is her first full-length album. What Have You Done My Brother? showcases her classic gospel style — timeless, guileless and seemingly effortless — and is the culmination of her years spent singing in church and New York City soul clubs.

Shelton’s voice goes from honey-smooth to gritty and back again. The harmonies of the ’60s girl group-esque Gospel Queens affirm and provide a constant over which Shelton is free to improvise. Each track openly speaks of God, but the lyrics could arguably be seen as metaphorical and applicable to anyone. [Chart Attack]

Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens, a group you can catch every Friday at Fat Cat, celebrated the release of the new Daptone album with a special show at Joe’s Pub last night (5/27). Their next big show is free and in Prospect Park. More pictures from Joe’s, below…