(Electraphonic Recordings)
Scott Bomar owns Electraphonic Studios in Memphis. Bomar composed the score for Craig Brewer's award-winning Hustle & Flow as well as Black Snake Moan. Bomar has worked with heavies such as Jim Dickinson
, Charlie Musselwhite
, Al Green
, Carla Thomas
, William Bell
, Eddie Floyd and Sun Records pioneer Rosco Gordon.
Bomar recently won an Emmy for "Best Original Music"' for the documentary I Am A Man: From Memphis, A Lesson in Life. The nucleus of musicians on Got To Get Back! include Bomar (bass), Skip Pitts (guitar), Howard Grimes (drums) and Hubie Turner (keys). A talented assortment of horn players pepper this album.
The Bo-Keys official site describes the band as "Kings of Memphis soul/funk/rhythm & blues who combine young hotshot players with veterens of Stax/Volt and Hi Records--are roaring back with a new album that's deep in the pocket. Guest vocalists include Stax artist William Bell
, blues great Charlie Musselwhite, soul/gospel master Otis Clay, and Percy Wiggins."
This album was recorded with analog equipment, and the production sounds flawless. The collection opens with a Booker T & The MGs-influenced instrumental "Hi Roller". Otis Clay's emotive vocals on the title track resemble the pure glory of Stax Records. Member of the legendary Hi-Rhythm Section, drummer Howard Grimes, institutes a serious foundation this this horn-laced instrumental.
"Catch This Tear Drop" conjures traces of Ska music with a dose of soul--great track. "Sundown On Beale" stands as a Skip Pitts guitar-playing showcase. Pitts contributed the memorable guitar track on Shaft. Soul legend William Bells sings on the funk/soul number "Weak Spot". "90 Days Same As Cash" clears a wide path and deep groove.
Charlie Musselwhite sings lead vocal and blows harmonica on the old tune "I'm Going Home". Pitts sings the street-funk gem "Work That Sucker". "Got To Get Back Pt. 2" closes this memorable album. I look forward to seeing this band in a small, dank club...
James Calemine
RELATED LINKS
Craig Brewer's Black Snake Moan
The Six Degrees of Swampland: The Dickinson Family
The Swampland Charlie Musselwhite Interview
If you aren't registered, Register Now to start leaving comments.