Reboot

Organist recorded a handful of funky soul jazz albums for in the 1970s before shifting his focus to a fruitful, decades-long session and production career. With 2022's , returns to the storied label for his first solo album in over 30 years. His original albums, including 1973's , proved influential, inspiring the work of crate-digging hip-hop and acid jazz artists, most notably , who turned a sample of 's atmospheric jam "Mystic Brew" into their own track "Electric Relaxation" off their classic 1993 album . On recaptures much of that inspirational energy, crafting hooky, groove-based songs that feel like a smart update of his '70s funk and R&B style. Helping conjure this organic vibe are his trio bandmates, including guitarist and his son, drummer . We also get vital contributions by conga player , percussionist , and drummer . As 's main instrumental foil, is a deft choice, with a style that combines bluesy riffage with a wiry, fusion-esque sense of harmony bringing to mind players like and . Together, their sound is darkly textural and mutable, as on the crunchy title track where they lay down an off-kilter melody that slyly evokes ' "Freedom Jazz Dance" before settling into a breezy, -esque midsection. More languid is "Sultry," an after-hours cocktail bar anthem in which trade whiskey-toned amber lines against buoyant Latin rhythms. There's also the aptly titled "Swinging," a finger-snapping blues that underlines just how much of the organ tradition has carried forward in his own music. Similarly, on "Carlos," reveals yet another of his influences, paying homage to guitarist with a flamenco-inflected track that finds spitting out fiery sustained lines against a kinetic Latin groove. Two of the best moments are an ebullient, gospel-inspired reading of 's "Isn't She Lovely" and the solo original "J's Dream," both of which find drawing listeners deep into his golden-toned organ harmonies. With has made an album of softly textured electric jazz rife with wickedly infectious, head-bobbing grooves, just like he used to do back in the day. ~ Matt Collar