Organ Blues

Organ Blues

Editorial Reviews
<"b00005v13m2999"> About the Artist
REUBEN WILSON BIO

In the late 60s, organist Reuben Wilson began ascending to his current status as a "godfather" of groove with 'On Broadway', the first in a string of albums for Blue Note Records. With these recordings Wilson revealed a command of funk that helped redefine the soul jazz movement created by the likes of Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff and Richard "Groove" Holmes.

While some collectors believe his best work is represented on his five Blue Note releases, Wilson also laid down some trailblazing sides for the Groove Merchant and Chess/Cadet labels. During the '80s, "Got Get Your Own," the title track to his 1974 Cadet album, caught on in dance clubs in England, "I was in Europe with the Fatback Band, when I heard about it," recalls Wilson. "All of a sudden, the news people from the trades and all were interviewing me separately from the Fatback Band. That's when l found out l had this big record. "Got Get Your Own", now a rare groove classic, the song was reworked by Wilson for Organ Donor, his 1998 release for the Jazzateria label.

Born April 9, 1935 in Mounds, Oklahoma, at age five Wilson moved with his family to Pasadena, California, where his schoolmates included bassist Herb Lewis and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. He started playing professionally in Los Angeles, and in the mid 60s went to New York and worked with a range of artists from Sam Rivers to Grant Green, Roy Haynes to Willis "Gatortail" Jackson.

Wilson still resides in New York, still actively tours, and sounds better than ever!

<"b00005v13m4999"> Album Description
Reuben's tribute to Jack McDuff, 'Blues For McDuff', provides a robust opener. It reveals classic excursions for Jazz Organ playing. 'Please Send Me Someone To Love', is nicely set in time with Reuben bending the groove to make us swing and sway. His 'Old Time Shuffle' reminds us that the beat makes all the difference in the world. It's Happy Music played with reverence and charm. Just about every Jazz Organist plays a Jimmy Smith head one time or another. It's almost irreverent to disregard the JOS factor. Reuben puts his own chickens in Jimmy's 'Back at the Chicken Shack'. It funky, it's bluesy and it's all Reuben Wilson. Since traditional Rhythm and Blues permeate this session, a perfect tune to add is 'Honey Dripper'. Here Reuben and company take us way back for some real fun. Toes be tappin' and hands be clappin'! 'After Hours' is another example of classic R & B resurrected for the lure of all Hammond organ addicts. The tune has had so many int! erpretations through the years but this one seems to want to stay in your mind. "Willow Weep For Me' is a slow, swirling ride that could be used for love making or any of many late night adventures.

Years ago when Louis Jordan sang, 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out', we all knew what he meant. The meaning may change depending upon the stock market but the feeling is always there. Reuben gives this ageless message a spirited quality and rollicking ride. Hope is the message and the Blues is the vehicle. With Reuben Wilson, the groove will continue to move forward.

Thanks goes to Reuben Wilson for this lesson in down-home music. It's REAL cause it's the Blues! -Pete Fallico

Organ Blues, Music, Reuben Wilson, Jazz, Jazz Music, Jazz-Funk, Pop, Soul-Jazz

Organ Blues

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