Hank Crawford
Hank Crawford, born Bennie Ross Crawford Jr. on December 21, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee, started music early with piano lessons at age nine for his church choir. His father brought home an alto saxophone from military service, leading Crawford to take it up in high school band, influenced by Charlie Parker, Louis Jordan, Earl Bostic, and Johnny Hodges.
Crawford attended Tennessee State College in Nashville in 1953, leading the school dance band with vocalist Leon Thomas and his own quartet, Little Hank and the Rhythm Kings. Discovered at the Subway Lounge, the group recorded "The House of Pink Lights" and "Christine" as a vocalist, marking his professional entry.
In 1958, Ray Charles recruited Crawford as baritone saxophonist after Leroy “Hog” Cooper's departure, later switching him to alto in 1959 as musical director until 1963. Crawford credited Charles for honing his discipline, phrasing, and soulful voicing.
Leaving Charles in 1963, Crawford formed his septet and recorded twelve albums for Atlantic from 1960-1970, including hits like "Misty," "The Pepper," and "Whispering Grass." Later labels included CTI, then Milestone from 1982 with soul-jazz albums like Midnight Ramble, Indigo Blue, and collaborations with Jimmy McGriff such as Soul Survivors.
Crawford blended blues, R&B, gospel, hard bop, jazz-funk, and soul jazz with his piercing alto tone, influencing soul-jazz. He died on January 29, 2009, in Memphis.
Mr. Blues Plays Lady Soul
A2 I Can't See Myself Leaving You 3:32
A3 Never Let Me Go 3:28
A4 Baby, I Love You 3:40
A5 Lady Soul 3:12
B1 Soul Serenade 3:30
B2 Ain't No Way 3:57
B3 Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby) 2:16
B4 Take A Look 3:13
B5 Going Down Slow 7:26
Label: Atlantic – SD 1523
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz
Hank Crawford's Mr. Blues Plays Lady Soul (1969) is generally praised as a magnificent tribute to Aretha Franklin, featuring his soulful alto sax backed by a big band with great Arif Mardin arrangements, delivering heartfelt blues-soul with highlights like "Baby, I Love You," though some find it a bit less distinctive than his earlier work, leaning into mainstream funk/soul rather than pure jazz.
he album serves as a dedicated homage to Aretha Franklin, capturing her "Lady Soul" spirit with bluesy riffs and emotional solos. Crawford is supported by a robust big band, with arrangements by Arif Mardin, creating a lush, full sound.
Reviewers call it a "tremendous album," highlighting standout tracks like "Baby, I Love You," "Lady Soul," and "Going Down Slow". It blends classic blues with emerging soul and funk, appealing to fans of soul-jazz.
While many adore it as a joyous, high-energy session, some listeners find it less innovative or "derivative" compared to his other records, preferring funkier or jazzier tracks.
Overall, Mr. Blues Plays Lady Soul is considered a strong, enjoyable entry in Crawford's discography, especially for fans of classic soul and big-band arrangements, even if it leans into more commercial sounds than some other soul-jazz artists