What makes Blue Mode by Reuben Wilson notable?

Blue Mode is significant for its critical reception within the jazz community, with many praising its innovative arrangements and soulful execution. The album has become a cornerstone for acid jazz enthusiasts and has influenced numerous artists in the genre, establishing Wilson's reputation as a skilled organist and composer. Released in 1970, Blue Mode is Reuben Wilson's debut album, marking his entry into the jazz scene after years of working as a sideman. The album showcased his unique blend of soul and jazz, setting the stage for a career that would influence the acid jazz movement in later years.

How many songs are on Blue Mode?

Blue Mode has 6 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Blue Mode

Reuben Wilson · 1970

41 min · 6 tracks · soul

A vibrant amalgamation of soul, jazz, and funk rhythms that creates an inviting groove for listeners seeking musical escapism.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Bambu — This track offers a captivating blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Wilson's mastery of the Hammond organ while setting a laid-back yet engaging mood.
→
Knock on Wood — Wilson's interpretation of this classic features a dynamic interplay between the instruments, highlighting both soulful vocals and infectious grooves that draw listeners in.
→
Blue Mode — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its seamless fusion of jazz improvisation and rich harmonic textures, illustrating Wilson's signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines strong grooves with skilled improvisation, making it a notable entry in the soul and jazz genres.

What we noticed

Each track maintains a consistent tempo, with several pieces incorporating call-and-response elements between instruments.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Bambu 8:05
2 Knock on Wood 6:11
3 Bus Ride 6:11
4 Orange Peel 6:39
5 Twenty-Five Miles 7:13
6 Blue Mode 7:25

What to play next

Listen next

A Groovy Situation

1970

Go back to

Love Bug

1969

Full Reuben Wilson discography Artists like Reuben Wilson

acid jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata