Originally released in 1967, Soul Finger was The Bar-Kays' first album, and it's obvious why they were constantly lauded by legends such as Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper as key soul music innovators. Soul Finger was the only release by the original lineup before the tragic December 1967 plane crash that killed Otis Redding and four of the band (they reformed in 1968). The album contains 11 instrumental tracks, each of them catchy, danceable and all around attention-grabbing. Soul Finger is marked by Phalon Jones and Ben Cauley's infectious horn riffs and Jimmy King's sparse yet sensitive guitar work. Add Ronnie Caldwell's bluesy organ and Carl Cunningham's rock steady grooves, and you've got a hypnotic recipe for the down-home Memphis soul. Songs such as 'You Can't Sit Down' and 'Bar-Kay's Boogaloo' are ideal party tunes. Energetic and life affirming, this music is simply contagious. Includes original liner notes by Booker T. of the MG's. Warner. 2005.

Soul Finger