Booker T. Tour Dates, New Album with Neil Young

In the 1960s, Memphis’s Stax Records was probably the best record label in the world and organist Booker T. Jones was leading the world’s best house band, the M.G.s .

When Booker T. and the MGs weren’t backing up performers like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Albert King, Johnnie Taylor, Eddie Floyd, The Staple Singers and Wilson Pickett, they were a formidable outfit on their own, releasing albums throughout the ’60s and ’70s and inspiring legions of imitators.

Almost 47 years later, Booker T. is making a comeback, and we hope the current generation of over-processed under-talented R&B players and songwriters takes notice of what actual talent sounds like.

Booker’s new album, Potato Hole, hits stores 4/21-but if you pre-order before then, you’ll get a signed copy. Details, here. The album features an all-star backing band, including guitarist Neil Young(!). We’re very curious to hear what Young comes up with and how his often experimental guitar style stacks up next to this rock/soul legend.

Making this even more awesome is news that the MGs will join Booker at some of his upcoming tour dates.
Other shows feature the Drive By Truckers and Bettye LaVette.

Complete Booker T. tour dates, after the jump.

Few songs have the instant appeal of Booker T. and the MGs’ “Green Onions.” (video above)

This instrumental sounds just as wild today as it must’ve sounded when it was released in 1962. Booker’s growling organ, Steve Cropper’s perfectly abrupt guitar solo and the unstoppable rhythm section of Donald “Duck” Dunn and Al Jackson, Jr., it makes us want to pick up the needle and play it over and over again. (Or, y’know hit the repeat button. Either way.) We’re happy this group is still around. Catch ‘em live, if you can.

Welcome back, Booker. We missed you.

2009 Booker T. Tour Dates

April 10, 2009
The Prince
Melbourne, Australia
Booker T and The DBT’s show

April 11, 2009
The Factory
Sydney, Australia
Booker T and The DBT’s show

April 13, 2009
Byron Bay Blues Fest
Byron Bay, Australia
Booker T and The DBT’s show

April 18, 2009
Coachella
Indio, CA
Booker T and The DBT’s show

April 20, 2009
Jimmy Fallon
New York, NY

April 21, 2009
Jimmy Fallon
New York, NY

April 22, 2009
Jimmy Fallon
New York, NY

April 23, 2009
Artist Den
New Orleans, LA

April 24, 2009
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Acura Stage
New Orleans, LA
Booker T and The DBT’s show

April 24, 2009
Republic
New Orleans, LA (Late Show)

May 2, 2009
Rhythm and Blues Night
Groningen, Netherlands

May 8, 2009
The Independent
San Francisco, CA
w/ Bettye LaVette

May 9, 2009
Harrah’s Tahoe
Stateline, NV
w/ Bettye LaVette

May 11, 2009
Red Fox Tavern
Eureka, CA

May 12, 2009
Applegate River Lodge
Applegate, OR

May 13, 2009
The Shedd
Eugene, OR

May 14, 2009
Mississippi Studios
Portland, OR

May 16, 2009
Lincoln Theater
Mt. Vernon, WA

May 18, 2009
Triple Door
Seattle, WA

June 8, 2009
Sellersville Theater
Sellersville, PA

June 10, 2009
Joe’s Pub
New York, NY
(June 9 - 10)

June 11, 2009
Three River Arts Festival
Pittsburgh, PA

June 13, 2009
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Manchester, TN
Booker T and The DBT’s show

June 25, 2009
Clay Center
Charleston, WV
Booker T and The MG’s show

July 17, 2009
Pori Jazz Festival
Pori, Finland

July 18, 2009
Pori Jazz Festival
Pori, Finland

August 1, 2009
Cambridge Folk Fest
Cambridge, UK

August 8, 2009
Calgary Blues Festival
Calgary, AB

August 29, 2009
Petaluma Wine, Jazz and Blues Festival
Petaluma, CA

August 30, 2009
Mt. Shasta Music Festival
Mt. Shasta, CA

September 3, 2009
Salt Lake City, UT
Booker T and The DBT’s show

Quick Quiz:
Do you know what the “MG” stands for in Booker T. and the MGs?
Leave you answer in the comments section!