Booker T. Jones

Booker T. Jones stands as one of the most influential architects of American soul music, and this intimate performance at the Freight & Salvage offers a rare chance to witness living musical history up close. As the frontman of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, the legendary Stax Records house band, Jones co-wrote the immortal "Green Onions" while still a teenager and went on to play on countless classics with artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Wilson Pickett.

Beyond his Hammond B3 mastery, Jones is a true multi-instrumentalist who seamlessly moves between organ, guitar, and vocals throughout his performances. Recent shows reveal an artist who remains remarkably vital after six decades in the music business. Audiences can expect to hear signature M.G.'s instrumentals like "Soul Limbo," "Time Is Tight," and "Melting Pot" alongside Jones's vocal interpretations of songs he helped create, including Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign" and Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay."

Jones's current touring band features his son Ted on guitar, adding a touching generational element to performances. Reviews consistently highlight memorable father-son duets, particularly their blues-drenched take on Prince's "Purple Rain," where Ted showcases exceptional guitar skills while his father provides vocal and instrumental accompaniment. The setlists often include surprising covers that demonstrate Jones's wide-ranging influence, from Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" to Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."

What makes a Booker T. Jones performance special goes beyond the music itself. As one reviewer noted, "Watching Booker T. Jones on stage is to witness living, breathing history come alive." He shares stories between songs about the defining moments of his career, offering insights into the creation of some of soul music's most enduring recordings. His extended instrumental workouts, particularly on Gershwin's "Summertime," have been described as "masterclass" performances that transport listeners to another realm entirely.

This Berkeley appearance follows Jones's recent autobiography "Time is Tight," which chronicles his remarkable journey from segregated Memphis to international acclaim. At 82, he continues to tour both as a solo artist and with his "Booker T's Stax Revue," proving that his influence on contemporary music remains as powerful as ever.