A Groovy Situation

by Stephen Thomas ErlewineMuch like its predecessor, Blue Mode, A Groovy Situation finds organist Reuben Wilson turning in a funky collection of R&B and pop covers. Supported by guitarist Eddie Diehl, alto saxophonist Earl Turbinton, and drummer Harold White, Wilson runs through familiar soul hits like "If You Let Me Make Love to You (Then Why Can't I Touch You)," "A Groovy Situation" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," plus the Turtles hit "Happy Together." With songs like this, there's no question that Wilson is going for a wide audience, and while these smooth, funky grooves will do nothing for jazz purists, it's an entertaining record, and some of the grooves are quite hot indeed.