I cannot make a more solid recommendation for you than this – The Bo-Keys are worth checking out and The Royal Sessions is a worthy addition to any decent music collection.

If you like sharp horns and strong sax mixed with sultry Hammond B-3 organ, reminiscent of the “old-school” funk days – you will like this album. If you are a fan of music that induces the listener into a solid groove without any effort – you will like this album.

The Royal Sessions is a recent release but the music is proudly nostalgic for the flair and style of the 1970s sound.

The high level of musicianship is for good reason. The band is an all-star selection of professional sidemen. They all play out of Stax Studios in Memphis. Members include organist Ronnie Williams (The Bar-Kays, David Porter), drummer Willie Hall (The Bar-Kays, The Blues Brothers), guitarist Charles Pitts (Isaac Hayes), and bassist Scott Bomar (Impala).

The tight horn section, along with excellent production (no instrument is recorded too loud or distorted), really makes for easy-listening jam sessions and a refined finished-product.

This is the kind of album in which no two people will have the same choices in favorite selections. My guess is that most listeners will choose “Deuce and a Quarter” as one of their top three tracks, however. This song requires a precaution, as it is high-energy funk that should be kept away from anyone with a heart condition.

Since I am a brass fan, I think the horn play on “Seven and 7” is what made would make it my number two selection. And for my third pick – "Bling Bling" with its improvised jam. It is a subtle mix of jazz-fusion and funk that creates a steady rhythm behind experimental instrumentation.

(Anthony Bates is a guest writer for 2 Walls Webzine and Music Director for Moozikoo.com)