Reuben Wilson: Bus Ride
Musicians:
Reuben Wilson (organ),
John Manning (tenor sax), Melvin Sparks (guitar), Tommy Derrick (drums)
.Recorded: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, December 12, 1969
Rating: 84/100 (learn more)
Reuben Wilson achieved little notoriety while recording for Blue Note (he was dropped from the label within three years) but has since become an acid-jazz legend and a favorite of DJs and rare groove fanatics. More lazy Saturday afternoon joyriding with a bellyful of soul food than rush-hour Manhattan with a fistful of coffee, “Bus Ride” is all strut and no sprint. The unison Meters-esque melody is relaxed and unhurried; the groove is soulful, inviting and warm. Melvin Sparks shows why he was the first-choice guitarist for so many soul-jazz sessions, and unknown drummer Tommy Derrick’s loose but deep-pocket groove makes one wonder why he wasn’t more in demand himself.
Reviewer: Matt Leskovic
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