Keyboardist is a truly seminal figure. During the mid-'60s, as an original member of , helped shape the language of the newly emerging . In subsequent years, as the premier composer/arranger of 's team, created a wealth of rhythms that artists would return to during the and eras decades later. His simmering organ lines added leagues of depth behind 's greatest acts, including , and . By the time released , there were far too few releases in print representing this great. Though may be the obvious primer, this disc is the perfect complement. Drawing heavily from the late '60s/early '70s when was fronting a variety of session bands, selects cuts from solo albums like (1969), (1970), and (1971). Chronological concerns are dispensed with (at one point the collection jumps nearly two decades with one track), and yet manages to come up with a coherent portrait of the artist. the earliest cut, is a steaming platter from the mid-'60s, while finds musing over a smoky, chugging beat. Though clearly had a handle on any rhythm that crossed his path, cuts like prove that he was fluent in as well. Even the songs from , his final outing from 1982, maintain the standards of the vintage material. The interwoven lines of and keyboardist on the drifting are a particularly pleasant surprise. is an excellent introduction to a rhythm master and legend. ~ Nathan Bush