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8/29/2004

Lance Looper

The Bo-Keys' The Royal Sessions is a funk for funk's sake jam. The trumpet alone on the album's opening track, "Coming Home Baby," makes me want some barbecue. This record is the debut effort for the group, but the men in the band are some of soul's reigning champs, including legendary drummer Willie Hall. The Royal Sessions brings together the old with the new in a seamless sound and delivery that you can't help but bounce to, no matter how little rhythm you have. Each song feels like you are being let in on a little secret, but the best is the smoky "Deuce and a Quarter." If soul is making a comeback, the Bo-Keys are the beginning, middle and end of the pack.