Booker T and the DBTs
Music legend Booker T. Jones, known for his work with “Booker T and the MGs” as well as numerous jazz and blues icons, has teamed up with Athens based southern rock band, the Drive by Truckers.
Booker, at the age of 64 is performing with the Drive by Truckers for a short tour in support of the latest album, “Potato Hole”. The act is advertising themselves as, “Booker T and the DBTs”, and is playing only a handful of shows on the east coast. Each performance has featured an opening set with Booker T where the “Truckers” serve as Booker’s back up band with a second set that is pure Trucker rock.
I was fortunate to catch this unique coupling at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, Georgia. The opening set was a special treat that will not soon be forgotten. Booker T and the DBTs played a well thought out mix of new and old songs including the classic, “Green Onions.” It was an intimate occasion, as each song featured a brief commentary by Booker about where and for whom the song was written. Booker spoke of his work with Albert King just prior to playing the hit, “Born under a Bad Sign.” The Drive by Truckers had ear to ear grins throughout the set as they were clearly proud to be playing with a living legend.
Still in awe of the prior set, second set was off to a heavy hitting start as the Drive by Truckers were able to enter all out “rock” mode. The hit “Lookout Mountain” started the set and clearly picked up the energy level from the comparatively mellow first set with Booker T. Despite the great start, I knew I would have to leave soon and prepare for an early morning in the office. My final song before leaving was filled with Southern pride. “Ronnie and Neal”, tells the story of Ronnie Van Zandt (Lynyrd Skynryd) and Neil Yong’s friendship that initially started in strife over Young’s, “Southern Man.” I am admittedly unfamiliar with the majority of the trucker’s material but this song in particular caught my attention and was a high note for me to end the night on.
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