The opening track of NYC-based organist Reuben Wilson’s latest disc is called “Here We Go.” It’s an appropriate title: With the downbeat he comes out swinging hard, and from the soul jazz of “The Shuffle” through the ’60s-style blues-a-go-go of “See See Rider” and the beboppin’ “Wee,” he doesn’t let up.
Even when Wilson does relax for a few minutes, on the pastoral “Moonlight in Vermont,” he and his trio (guitarist Bob DeVos and drummer Vince Ector) keep the groove slipping and sliding around seductively. And though Wilson is in charge, make no mistake, this album is about the chemistry of one happening trio. The musical round robin between the three makes for spirited exchanges throughout, especially the seamless solo handoffs on “A Good Idea” and the fizzy take on Erroll Garner’s “Misty.”
At 77, Wilson shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, Revisited is his fourth release in five years. Perhaps he’s making up for the two decades when he was absent from the recording scene. Whatever the case, any collection of tunes from this elder statesman of jazz organ is well worth listening to.
Reuben Wilson Trio: Revisited
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