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CibbuanoBooker T and the MG's
December 31st 2007 07:08
Booker T and the MG’s
The Band!
Booker T and the MG’s were as influential a force in music history as Elvis and as important as to melody as Mozart. One of those bands whose instrumental soul licks always grabbed my attention but I never bothered to find out the name because it wasn’t readily available.
Peaking in the 1960’s and 70’s, blessed in the art of funky Motown grooves the combo had their biggest stand alone hit with “Green Onions”. Notable for being the first racially mixed pop music success story.
Soulville U.S.A as important as Motown
As the house band for Stax records their prolific backing credits in the studio read like a who’s who of smooth legends. Hits from icons like Otis Redding, Albert King, Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave often bared their handiwork. Listen to this for a resume of memorable tunes “Hold on Im Comin”, “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Soul Man” and "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” to name a few.
Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave and Otis Redding
Headed by keyboard soul-master maestro Booker T. Jones the band has Al Jackson Jr providing the drum beat and Steve “The Colonel” Cropper on rhythm and lead guitar.
The dominant bass lines the work of Lewie Steinberg until 1965 when he was replaced by the equally skilful Donald “Duck” Dunn.
Creating some of the coolest riffs ever to be recycled, reused and built upon these are a pack of muso’s muso’s that will forever be praised. Unofficial member Isaac hayes also played a significant role in their stellar reputation.
Booker T and his MG's play live
Continuing to play, Steve Cropper and Donald Dunn ended up with a further limelight as members of Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi’s epic Blues Brothers band
The original Blues Brothers band
Today when you slide in the greatest hits CD it’s a cavalcade of familiar grooves that greets the listener’s ear. An essential chapter in the evolution of soul music and the development of toe tapping beats. Do yourself a favour and delve into the inspired addictive key changing of Booker T and the MG’s.
Watch footage of Booker T and the MG's doing "Green Onions"
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