This 1971 session finds McGriff continuing to do like so many other jazz musicians of the time: embrace and adapt to the emergence of funk and soul into mainstream music, and recontextualize it in a jazz arena. The results are an unsurprisingly delicious slice of jazz-funk made from the finest ingredients. The superb playing of Richard Davis on electric bass is unquestionably the anchor throughout the album’s nine slices, leaving McGriff and company to follow suit with loose (but not too far out) improvisation that’s as equally relaxing as it is invigorating. While McGriff’s adventurous side is slightly tamed, it’s that willingness to improv and blend together as a cohesive unit that makes Groove Grease such a tasty statement that is consistently fresh with repeated listenings. – Rob Theakston