Original image of Booker T. Jones neglecting his organ by There Stands the Glass.
A conspicuous hole in my concert-going ledger was filled at the Folly Theater on Friday, April 21. To the best of my recollection, I’d never previously attended a performance featuring Booker T. Jones.
The recordings of very few living legends have given me more pleasure than the impeccably funky discography of Jones. Watching him revive several of his essential contributions to soul, blues, rock and pop was thrilling.
The concert could have been better. I didn’t care for the guitarist’s solos. And two days earlier the peerless tandem of Matt Clohesy and Jimmy Macbride may have permanently spoiled my capacity to appreciate all other bassists and drummers.
Joining a few hundred baby boomers with the purchase of the least expensive ticket ($32.50) was a sound investment even if the only magical moments occurred during Jones’ elegant introduction to “Time Is Tight.”
Set list: Hang ‘Em High, Soul Dressing, Born Under a Bad Sign, Mannish Boy, Hey Joe, Melting Pot, Green Onions, Hip Hug-Her, Ain’t No Sunshine, Bright Lights Big City, Summertime, Soul Limbo, Everything Is Everything, Time is Tight, I’ve Been Loving You Too Long