THE GODFATHERS OF GROOVE FEATURING REUBEN WILSON, BERNARD “PRETTY” PURDIE, AND GRANT GREEN JR.

The Godfathers of Groove

2007-06-11

The Godfathers of Groove (previously known as The Masters of Groove) are an All-Star group comprised of Reuben Wilson on the Hammond B3, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie on drums, and Grant Green Jr. on guitar. In the late 60s, organist Reuben Wilson began ascending to his current status as a "godfather" of acid-jazz with "On Broadway", the first in a string of albums for Blue Note Records. With these recordings Wilson revealed a command of funk that helped redefine the soul jazz movement created by the likes of Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff and Richard "Groove" Holmes. Bernard Purdie was born June 11, 1939 in Elkton, Maryland as the eleventh of fifteen children. At 14 years of age he purchased his first real drum set and became the most important provider for the family - earning his pay with country and carnival bands. Purdie has laid down the beat on over 3000 albums to date. As the son of legendary jazz guitarist Grant Green (1931-1979), Grant Green Jr. was exposed to exceptional musicianship and superb guitar playing right from the start. Growing up in the Palmer Woods section of Detroit, Grant enjoyed a constant parade of jazz greats streaming through his living room and at the tender age of five. His ability to blend funky grooves with the melodic soul-jazz and blues made him a popular session player and musician's musician.