An enthusiastic gathering enjoyed an evening of historic proportion Thursday night at City Winery.
Booker T. Jones, multi- Grammy Award winner, Lifetime Grammy Award Recipient and 1992 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, along with his band the MG's, celebrated the release of his long anticipated Memoirs.
The
evening began with Booker T. reading from his book, TIME IS TIGHT -- MY
LIFE NOTE BY NOTE. Following the reading, he entertained a number of
audience queries during a brief Q&A. Questions included asking about
his relationships with artists the likes of Stephen Stills and Leon
Russell. Another question had him relating his success recording with
the Drive-By Truckers.
Following
the Q&A, Booker left the stage briefly while his son Teddy [lead
guitar], Darian Gray [drums ], and Melvin Brannon, Jr. [bass] prepared the
stage for the evening's concert.
Booker took his familiar position at his Hammond organ, entering to an electric intro of the group playing the prelude to Dominic Frontiere's "Hang 'Em High." The song, with it's ominous somber feel, was greeted with huge applause.
Throughout the evening, Booker T. regaled us lovingly with recollections of the MG's, Duck Dunn, Steve Cropper and Al Jackson. Between songs he shared with us what was the unique dynamic that was present performing in the integrated Stax house band in a very
segregated Memphis during the racially charged decade of the sixties.
Booker beamed describing the love and respect exhibited playing and
working together. He further explained that the relationship could be
at times challenging.
The
concert continued with a thorough assortment of his most familiar hits.
Periodically he would leave his organ stating " My doctor told me I
have to get on my feet more." That being said, he would pick up a guitar
and demonstrate his expertise as a gifted guitar player. Organ and
guitar are but two of the many instruments that contribute to his
genius.
Possessing a
soulful yet accomplished singing voice, Booker moved the audience as he
played guitar and performed the Albert King classic "Born Under A Bad
Sign." Later in the evening he delivered a masterful rendition of Jimi
Hendrix's "Hey Joe."
Booker spoke of his friendship with Screamin' Jay Hawkins and yielded to son Teddy who performed a first class rendition of "I Put A Spell On You."
Booker spoke of his friendship with Screamin' Jay Hawkins and yielded to son Teddy who performed a first class rendition of "I Put A Spell On You."
The concert continued with the group performing Booker T. & the MG's classics "Boot-Leg," "Melting Pot," the Calypso sound of "Soul
Limbo" and the Mega Hit " ip-Hug-Her," which included a clever, lengthy rap lyric performed rapidly and remarkably by drummer Darian Gray.
Booker
mentioned that he was the recipient of the prestigious Rhythm and Blues
Foundation Award. The award was presented to him by PRINCE. After
stating his affection for the late superstar, he and his son Teddy combined
in beautiful harmony and sang "Purple Rain" to a standing ovation.
Standing ovations continued as the concert concluded with "Green Onions" and "Time Is Tight."
Following
his performance, Booker T. graciously met, shook hands with and signed
every album, photo and book brought to him by his appreciative fans.
Booker T. also became the 121st artist to sign Guitar Jim's Magnificent Guitar!
Jim Nowoc
I almost made it out to this show myself ... would have LOVED to see Booker T. and get a signed copy of his new book ... but by the time I got out of work Thursday Night, I never would have made it down there in time. Too bad ... it sounds like I missed a GREAT night of music and memories.
Thank you for sharing with our readers, Jim ... and glad to hear you could fit another signature on that incredible guitar of yours!!! (kk)
