Long awaited reissue!
GB | Ann Arbor, MI | 08/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I became a Jazz Crusaders fan when I was a teenager in the early 60s, and this has always been one of my favorite albums. I bought it on LP when it first came out. My LP copy was in mono, and I've been searching for a stereo copy for years, so imagine my delight when I discovered this CD reissue! Every cut is a gem; if I had to pick favorites, they would be Blues for Ramona and Cathy's Dilemma.
The Jazz Crusaders' music-making from this era (before they dropped the "Jazz" from their name) combines the best elements of modern jazz, funk and gospel, performed with great warmth, sincerity and soul. The tunes, almost all written by members of the group, brim with personality and wit.
Looking forward to more reissues like this one.
"
The Unique Crusader sound
Doug Grandpre | Seattle, WA USA | 11/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Maybe the tightest combo I've experienced in person. Sax and trombone playing as if they were one instrument. That's why I say their sound is unique. The Lighthouse: a very small room; it could hold 80 people packed. I always arrived early to sit in front. Minors could get in because they had an Asian cooking for the musicians in the back so they skirted the law about being a restaurant. The "Crusaders" later had to play more funky (electric bass) stuff to keep from going broke. A great pity that so much jazz had to be played for the love of it. This is pure jazz and there has never been better; there never will be. This recording is more up-tempo than I'm used to hearing them and it took me some getting used to. If you only know them from their later stuff, you're missing an under-appreciated unique sound. If you know them, there's nothing I can add."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1