The Bo-Keys: Got to Get Back!

You’ve gotta love the deep soul revival. Especially when the music comes from the originators. Several members of Memphis-based Bo-Keys were part of the seminal movement way back when. It’s no surprise that Got to Get Back! blasts out of the chute with a hip-shaking instrumental called “Hi Roller” when the featured players include a trumpeter who was an original member of the Bar-Kays (the band touring with Otis Redding when he died), Isaac Hayes’ guitarist, and the Hi Rhythm Section drummer and keyboardist, both of whom worked extensively with Al Green, Ann Peebles and Willie Mitchell. Alternating between funky instrumentals and blistering vocal tracks, the Bo-Keys are joined by legends, including the amazing Otis Clay on the title track, Georgia’s own William Bell (“Weak Spot”), and blues man Charlie Musselwhite (“I’m Going Home”). That adds up to a bit of Booker T., a bit of Rufus Thomas and a whole lot of sweet soul. (5 out of 5 stars)