With all the great renewable-soul-energy acts gracing the airwaves (Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones, Lee Fields, etc.), you knew it was only a matter of time before the better-known stalwarts would thankfully jump back on the bandwagon.  Once again Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) read the tea leaves early and wowed Bobby Womack a few years back into singing on Gorillaz’ Plastic Beach album.  Albarn has now returned the favor and perfectly produced (together with Richard Russell) Womack’s imminent new album, The Bravest Man in the Universe.  From the tracks we’ve heard (below), Womack’s recent bout with cancer (he was thankfully declared cancer-free two weeks ago) has served these songs incredibly well.  Check the first single off the album, Please Forgive My Heart, and then a soulful solo performance of another song off the album, the gospel traditional Deep River.  And finally check out Womack accompanied by the still-up-and-coming Lana Del Rey on Dayglo Reflection.   These are the sounds of soul, acknowledgment and grace.  Long live Bobby Womack!  You can stream the entire album for a time over at NPR.