Booker T. The Road From Memphis

Booker T. -- he of legendary Stax group Booker T. & the MGs -- began his solo career in 1981 with the release of the modestly successful I Want You. His follow-up to that record wouldn't come for nearly another 30 years. But after dropping Potato Hole, which earned him a Grammy, in 2009, Booker was apparently inspired enough to begin working on The Road from Memphis. The 2011 album features the keyboardist backed by the Roots and collaborating with Lou Reed, Sharon Jones, and the National's Matt Beringer, among others. It was produced by Questlove, of the Roots, and Rob Schnapf, known for his work with Beck and Elliott Smith.

Abstract by Andrew Martin