SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award winner Acantha Lang is a storyteller who also happens to be one of the most exciting soul singers in the world. In a time when music seems to be getting smaller and smaller, Lang has consistently brought her big vision of full-bodied, horn-filled, Southern-fried soul music to a starving world.
That expansive view continues on Lang’s newest single, a roof-raising, powerful new take on the Bill Withers acoustic classic, “Grandma’s Hands.” The new version of the song mirrors the story that Acantha wants to tell about her own grandmother: “Many think of a Grandmother as a sweet old lady who knits sweaters. But not my grandma! She was born and raised in Houma, Louisiana, away from the big city, but lived most of her life in New Orleans. She loved bourbon and coke (with an extra shot), watching football with a beer, and using cuss words when necessary. Her favorite phrase was ‘Baby! I ain’t nobody’s fool.’ She was the BEST cook and gave great hugs. I wanted my cover of Bill’s song to reflect her personality so I gave the song a bit of an edge. My Grandma knew how to get down! So in honor of her, I had to make it funky!”
Mission accomplished. Acantha’s version of “Grandma’s Hands” is another revelation from this talented artist, and a song we’re proud to present as our funky new Song of the Month. Check it out below and welcome Acantha Lang back to SoulTracks.
