More than 40 years after leaving The MGs and the Stax Records house band, the legendary Booker T. Jones continues to make compelling and relevant music. On his prior two releases, Potato Hole and The Road from Memphis, he collaborated with The Roots, Neil Young, and Drive-By Truckers on some adventurous Southern rock and gritty funk. Sound the Alarm features a more contemporary R&B sound, with Jones’ trademark Hammond B-3 holding down the groove. With backing by Raphael Saadiq and members of Vintage Trouble, the album is largely a collection of fine duets with younger vocalists such as Mayer Hawthorne, Estelle, Anthony Hamilton, and Luke James. Jones himself lends vocals to “Watch You Sleeping,” where he's joined by Kori Withers. As good as the guest vocalists are, though, it’s the handful of instrumentals that really stand out, especially the aptly titled “Fun” and “Feel Good.” Elsewhere, guitarist Gary Clark Jr. shines on “Austin City Blues.” “Father Son Blues” features Jones’ son Ted on guitar, and “66 Impala” sizzles to a slinky beat provided by Poncho Sanchez on percussion and Sheila E. on drums.