It’s safe to say everyone loves legendary organist Booker T. His records with the M.G.’s have always been catchy, fun, groovy funk. If there is any criticism about his records (not his live performances) it’s often because his early sound is too clean and too safe. I guess we had to wait until Booker T. got old. Coming off the heels of 2009’s Potato Hole, The Road from Memphis is Booker T. Jones at his finest, rawest and most badass. I guess it helps to have the Roots as your back-up band. His latest solo effort is incredible with the only exception of a forgettable cover of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” which has Booker T. adding a little flavor from the original. His version of Lauryn Hill’s “Everything is Everything,” on the other hand, is off the chain, featuring Jones playfully hammering at the organ with unbelievable precision towards a climaxing conclusion. Producer Gabe Roth (Sharon Jones, Amy Winehouse) manages to make most cuts sound timeless, vintage and yet ultramodern at the same time. Songs like the super-sonic “Hive” perfectly exemplifies this quality while “Down in Memphis” shows off Jones’ time-honored soulful voice. While the album features powerhouse collaborators the likes of Jim James (My Morning Jacket), soul-singing phenomenon Sharon Jones and even Lou Reed, it’s Jones’ quick hands that’s centre stage here. It’s safe to say that Booker T. has aged like wine and his albums will most definitely continue to impress. (Anti, www.bookert.com) Kent Davies
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989