Al Green's Soul Revival

In Al Green's early- Seventies heyday, he, producer Willie Mitchell and the Hi Records rhythm section would cut records as fast as they could write them, creating masterpieces in mere minutes. But for Green's new disc, Lay It Down, it took more than two years to find what he calls the "harmony" of the album. The wait was worth it: Co-produced by Roots drummer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, Lay It Down is a throwback to Green's classic sound, but features contemporary artists such as John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae and Anthony Hamilton. Green is effusive about the new album: "It's magnifical! Even better than magnificent!"

How was your experience working with ?uestlove?
I think ?uest is a great drummer and a visionary. But there's only so much you can play on drums, right? There were so many other people with so much expression. James Poyser on the organ, and the guitar man, Spanky Alford. Spanky was playing chords that I could never dream of! I wish he could have heard the whole album [Alford passed away in March].

There are a handful of great duets on the new album, but Corinne Bailey Rae's song really stands out.
I think she's incredible. She's an itty-bitty little thing. I gave her a hug, and I had to readjust my arms! She just went out there and sat down and started playing the song "Take Your Time," and I'm going, "What's that?"

Did you ever duet with Marvin Gaye?
I would like to say yes, but that never happened. In those days, people didn't sing together like they do now. I met Marvin once in New Jersey. I went to his hotel, and he was chillin' in bed. He was like, "'Let's Stay Together' is kicking butt out there," and I said, "Well, 'Let's Get It On' ain't bad!"