Potato Hole

As organist and bandleader of the timeless Booker T. & The MG’s who also played on numerous hits by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and others, Booker T. Jones is a bona fide musical legend. But Potato Hole is no throwback soul session; in fact, most of the cuts are more Southern rock than Southern soul, with the emphasis as much on guitar, if not more, than organ. Not only does Jones himself play electric and acoustic, but he’s backed throughout by the Drive-By Truckers as well as Neil Young (on all but one track). On “Pound It Out” fierce Hammond B-3 licks play off of layers of noisy guitars, “She Breaks” boasts nonstop greasy licks and riffs, and “Native New Yorker” is distorted and grungy. “Nan” and “Space City,” on the other hand, are mellower and more introspective, showing off Jones’ tasteful touch, trademark organ trills, and sweet tone. Most of the songs are Jones originals, excepting a cover of the OutKast hit “Hey Ya” and a funky and gritty version of Tom Waits’ “Get Behind the Mule.” Brimming with good grooves and solid musicianship, Potato Hole is as delightful as it is unexpected.