Down With It

by Paula Edelstein Reuben Wilson's 30-year musical influence on the modern music scene is readily apparent on Down With It, released in 1998 on the ultra-funky Cannonball label. Wilson's legendary status is well-deserved. Revered around the world as one of the pioneers of the Hammond B3 organ sound, the "godfather of funk and soul-jazz" continues to transplant his groove into the acid jazz movement. Unlike the previously released Organ Donor, Wilson does not revisit his classics "Hot Rod" and "Got to Get Your Own," but has written four new tunes on the set, including "One 2 Four," which reunites him with soul-jazz guitar pioneer Melvin Sparks. Pop and funk are taken to new heights on the title track, "Down With It," while Wilson's slow blues signature is stamped on "Speakin' With the Deacon." Wilson's mastery of the Hammond B3 is in the pocket, as the maestro continues to enjoy its renaissance and down-home funk.