from anti- records
Renowned as the organist and leader of the unparalleled Stax house band Booker T. & the MG’s, Jones has remained active as a solo artist since the breakup of the legendary quartet. Jones was the first to leave the group in 1968, relocating to Los Angeles and producing Bill Withers’ 1971 gold record “Ain’t No Sunshine.” As Booker T., he managed a substantial seller of his own in 1981 with “I Want You” for A&M. Jones recently reunited with MG’s guitarist Steve Cropper and bassist Duck Dunn for a series of tours.
New Album on Anti- Records featuring Drive-By Truckers and Neil Young Out April 21
Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Booker T.’s new album Potato Hole will no doubt inspire hip-shaking and toe-tapping, but also some head-scratching over the disc’s intriguing title.
In fact, the expression “potato hole” dates from the days of American slavery. Explains Booker: “people dug holes into the dirt floors of their slave cabins to hide, cool, and store food. These people rose above their circumstances not only to survive but to thrive.”
He continues, “”potato hole,” for me, stands for a funky place or joint where people go to groove to the music, let go of their worries, and have a good time. When I was in college in Indiana, there was a joint in the basement of a house in the ‘hood where we would go to drink, play records and party. We called it “The Hole.” Potato Hole is dedicated to that spirit.”
Potato Hole, featuring the Drive-By Truckers as Booker’s backing band and Neil Young on guitar on 9 of 10 tracks, will be released April 21 on Anti- Records. Booker T. is confirmed for JazzFest and Coachella performances in April with additional tour dates to follow.
Track List:
01. Pound It Out
02. She Breaks
03. Hey Ya
04. Native New Yorker
05. Nan
06. Warped Sister
07. Get Behind The Mule
08. Reunion Time
09. Potato Hole
10. Space City