BOOKER T JONES – POTATO HOLE
Okay, so the opening Pound It Out does very much as it’s title suggests; and one could be forgiven for thinking this was a Jon Lord (Deep Purple) solo album, not the comeback after 30 years for the inimitable Booker T Jones (as in Booker T & the MG’s) – legend of Stax Records, the man (and his band) behind Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd and Sam & Dave to name but a few. However sanity is restored by track two as She Breaks slides into the groove we know so well (and have missed so badly), led by Jones’ instantly recognisable Hammond B3 organ. By the time they break into Outkast’s Hey Ya with its scattered organ keys, you know he is back. Jones’ fingers are so obviously still nibble and at the top of their game, belying his advancing years. Backed here not by the MG’s but by the able Drive By Truckers, it is the addition of Neil Young’s guitar (on all bar one track) that is fascinating. Young is distinctive in his electric guitar playing style, but one can hear here his own soul roots, with the occasional nod to the MG’s Steve Cropper. If there is a let down it is the simple four-on-the-four no frills rhythm section that lacks the finesse and swing of the MG’s Duck Dunn and Al Jackson (but then who doesn’t?). The cover of Tom Waits’ Get Behind the Mule may be missing that gruff vocal, but provides plenty of brooding in its place. It’s great to hear you Booker, welcome back big guy.
*** 1/2
