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5/7/2004

Gromer Jeffers Jr.

SOUL: The Bo-Keys

Grade: B

The Royal Sessions (Yellow Dog Records) In stores now

You've probably heard the members of the Bo-Keys before and didn't realize it. Individually they were staples of the 1960s Memphis soul sound, Stax studio musicians for artists such as Rufus Thomas, Al Green, Bobby Bland and Isaac Hayes.

Now they've gotten together for a wonderful album reminiscent of the instrumental grooves made famous by groups such as Booker T. & the MGs and the Mar-Keys.

The real treat on this album is the Hammond organ work by Ronnie Williams. It adds spice to the classic soul romps "Back at the Chicken Shack" and "Coming Home Baby." And "I Remember Stax" is a slow-burner that reminds us from where it all came. No singing here, just great soulful music.