Lay It Down (Blue Note): A-
Memphis soul singer Al Green launched a late-career comeback in 2003 when he made his first album for Blue Note with Willie Mitchell, the producer responsible for every one of Green’s classic hits. In 2005 the old partners were back again on Green’s second tasty Blue Note release. Now Green risks a switch to a new team led by Roots drummer Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson and boasting youthful supporting guests including Anthony Hamilton, John Legend and Corinne Bailey Rae. Rather than stuff Green into a hip-hop suit, ?uestlove and company conjure a straight-out-of-the-’70s Memphis sound that out-Mitchells Mitchell. With its delicious grooves, delectable background vocals and horn parts (played by the Amy Winehouse/Sharon Jones-approved Dap-Kings), and Green crooning, cooing and crowing in inspired form, “Lay It Down” exceeds every expectation. Download: “I’m Wild About You.”
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