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For his third Blue Note album Blue Mode (1969), organist Reuben Wilson kept it right in the pocket and laid down one of the funkiest soul jazz workouts of the late-60s. Produced by Francis Wolff, the date featured Wilson at the helm of an airtight quartet with tenor saxophonist John Manning, guitarist Melvin Sparks, and drummer Tommy Derrick. Highlights of the set include Wilson’s grooving originals “Bus Ride,” “Orange Peel,” and “Blue Mode,” along with covers of Eddie Floyd’s “Knock On Wood” and Edwin Starr’s “Twenty-Five Miles.”

This Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. — (via Label)

If Love Bug skirted the edges of free jazz and black power, Blue Mode embraces soul-jazz and Memphis funk in no uncertain terms. Opening with the cinematic, stuttering "Bambu" and running through a set of relaxed, funky grooves - including covers of Eddie Floyd's "Knock on Wood" and Edwin Starr's "Twenty-Five Miles" - Blue Mode isn't strictly a jazz album, but its gritty, jazzy vamps and urban soul-blues make it highly enjoyable. Reuben Wilson has a laid-back, friendly style and his supporting band - tenor saxophonist John Manning, guitarist Melvin Sparks, and drummer Tommy Derrick - demonstrate a similarly warm sense of tone. While none of them break through with any improvisations that would satiate hardcore jazz purists, they know how to work a groove, and that's what makes Blue Mode a winner. — (via AllMusic)

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Label: Blue Note (BST 84343)
Series: Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Reissued: 2O19 / Original Release: 1970 (Blue Note)
Genre: Jazz
Style: Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk

File under: Blue Note Records
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