Booker T. Jones
Potato Hole
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

2009 180gm 2LP audiophile pressing in gatefold. Released in 2009, "Potato Hole" marked a significant chapter in Booker T. Jones's storied career, representing his first solo album in decades and a notable departure from his classic sound with Booker T. & the MG's. The album was recorded in collaboration with the rock band Drive-By Truckers as well as guitarist Neil Young, blending Jones's soulful organ mastery with a grittier Southern rock edge. This fusion was both a nod to Jones's Memphis roots and an exploration of new musical territory, resulting in a record that feels fresh yet grounded in tradition. The title "Potato Hole" refers to a Southern term for a hidden pit used to store potatoes, subtly alluding to the album's deep, earthy grooves and the hidden layers of influence within the music.

"Potato Hole" was met with critical acclaim, earning the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album. The project stood out for its bold reinterpretation of instrumental soul, infused with the raw energy of Jones’s collaborators. Notably, the album included a dynamic cover of OutKast’s “Hey Ya!,” reimagined through Jones's signature Hammond organ. The record not only reaffirmed Booker T. Jones's place as an innovator in American music but also introduced his artistry to a new generation, demonstrating his capacity to evolve while maintaining a distinctive musical voice.