The Crusaders
The Crusaders, originally known as The Jazz Crusaders, were a prominent American jazz and jazz-funk group active from the 1960s until the 2010s. They formed in Los Angeles in 1960 and were initially comprised of musicians who hailed from Houston, Texas, such as Joe Sample (piano), Wilton Felder (tenor saxophone and bass), and Stix Hooper (drums).
The group's music is distinguished by its blend of soul jazz, R&B, and straight-ahead jazz, showcasing their versatility and chameleon-like abilities to adapt to various musical styles. They gained particular acclaim in the 1970s and are known for being key figures in the jazz-rock and jazz-funk fusion movement during that time.
Their album "Southern Comfort," released in October 1974, reached the top of the Jazz Album charts and is considered a quintessential introduction to their sound and musical innovation. Throughout their career, The Crusaders maintained a reputation for their remarkable adaptability, consistently incorporating elements of R&B, jazz, soul, and funk into their music.
Crusaders 1
Written-By – Wilton Felder
8:20
A2 So Far Away
Written-By – Carole King
11:50
B1 Put It Where You Want It
Written-By – Joe Sample
5:30
B2 Mystique Blues
Written-By – Wayne Henderson
4:44
B3 Full Moon
Written-By – Wayne Henderson
7:20
C1 Sweet Revival
Written-By – Joe Sample
4:50
C2 Mud Hole
Written-By – Wayne Henderson
6:30
C3 It's Just Gotta Be That Way
Written-By – Wayne Henderson
3:40
C4 Georgia Cottonfield
Written-By – Joe Sample
7:02
D1 A Shade Of Blues
Written-By – Joe Sample
5:20
D2 Three Children
Written-By – Wilton Felder
5:15
D3 Mosadi (Woman)
Written-By – Wayne Henderson
7:15
Label: Blue Thumb Records – BTS 6001
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Rhythm & Blues, Funk
The Crusaders' Crusaders 1 (1972) is a landmark jazz-funk fusion album, praised for its energetic blend of soulful grooves, tight musicianship (Joe Sample, Stix Hooper, Wilton Felder, Larry Carlton), and electric instrumentation, marking their pivot from the Jazz Crusaders with heavy funk and rock influences, featuring standout tracks like the funky "That's How I Feel" and a notable Carole King cover, "So Far Away".
Reviewers highlight its consistent grooves, warm '70s sound, and influential role in launching jazz-funk, despite some finding it a bit "watered down" or loungey compared to harder jazz.
A pivotal moment where the band dropped "Jazz" from their name and fully embraced electric instruments, creating a natural evolution from soul-jazz and hard bop into the burgeoning jazz-funk genre.
Known for its infectious, hook-laden, and funky rhythms, drawing comparisons to James Brown and The Meters, with solid basslines from Chuck Rainey and drums from Stix Hooper.
The addition of electric piano and Larry Carlton's prominent electric guitar (often with wah-pedal) gave it a distinct, blaxploitation-era sound. Considered a strong, consistent album with no dull moments, offering a rich, immersive groove.
Notable Tracks:- "That's How I Feel": An 8-minute funk workout considered on par with classic Booker T. & the M.G.'s; "So Far Away" (Carole King Cover): A standout track where Wilton Felder's saxophone work transforms the tune, though some felt it hinted at later, more pop-oriented directions.
Overall: Crusaders 1 is celebrated as a foundational jazz-funk record, capturing The Crusaders at a creative peak, delivering consistent grooves and setting a high watermark for the genre.
Scratch
Written-By – Wayne Henderson
5:45
A2 Eleanor Rigby
Written-By – John Lennon And Paul McCartney
12:27
B1 Hard Times
Written-By – P. F. Mitchell
7:26
B2 So Far Away
Written-By – Carole King
4:35
B3 Way Back Home
Written-By – Wilton Felder
8:41
Label: Blue Thumb Records – BTS 6010
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Jazz-Funk
Street Life
Vocals - Randy Crawford
Written-By – Joe Sample, Will Jennings
11:18
A2 My Lady
Written-By – Wilton Felder
6:43
B1 Rodeo Drive (High Steppin')
Written-By – Joe Sample
4:28
B2 Carnival Of The Night
Written-By – Wilton Felder
6:24
B3 The Hustler
Written-By – "Stix" Hooper
5:18
B4 Night Faces
Written-By – Joe Sample
5:10
Label: MCA Records – MCA-3094
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Contemporary Jazz, Soul-Jazz
The Vocal Album
Vocals – Randy Crawford
7:30
2 This Old World's Too Funky For Me
Vocals – Joe Cocker
5:25
3 Better Not Look Down
Vocals – B.B. King
5:43
4 Inherit The Wind
Vocals – Bobby Womack
3:52
5 Hold On (I Think Our Love Is Changing)
Co-producer – Stewart Levine
Vocals – B.B. King
4:11
6 Help (I Need Somebody)
Vocals – Tina Turner
4:30
7 Soul Shadows
Vocals – Bill Withers
6:25
8 The Way It Goes
Vocals – Nancy Wilson
4:44
9 I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today
Vocals – Joe Cocker
5:02
10 (No Matter How High I Get) I'll Still Be Lookin' Up To You
Co-producer – Bobby Womack
Vocals – Alltrinna Grayson, Bobby Womack
4:12
11 Burnin' Up The Carnival
Vocals – Flora Purim, Josie James
7:17
Label: MCA Records – 254 962-2
Format: CD, Compilation, Stereo
Country: Europe
Released: 1987
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk
Style: Contemporary Jazz, Soul
Those Southern Knights
Written-By – Joe Sample 6:14
A2 Keep That Same Old Feeling
Written-By – Wayne Henderson 5:36
A3 My Mama Told Me So
Written-By – Joe Sample 4:50
A4 Til The Sun Shines
Written-By – Larry Carlton 2:42
B1 And Then There Was The Blues
Written-By – Nesbert "Stix" Hooper 9:43
B2 Serenity
Written-By – Wilton Felder 7:17
B3 Feeling Funky
Written-By – Robert Popwell 3:00
Label: ABC Blue Thumb – BTSD-6024
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Jazz Fusion, Jazz-Funk
Those Southern Knights (1976) is a landmark jazz-funk album by The Crusaders, showcasing their signature blend of soulful grooves, funky rhythms, and sharp jazz improvisation, featuring hits like "Keep That Same Old Feeling" and "Spiral," solidifying their status as masters of the genre with slick production and iconic solos from Joe Sample, Stix Hooper, and Larry Carlton. It's celebrated for its smooth yet explosive fusion of soul, R&B, and funk, making it a quintessential 70s jazz record.
Featuring deep, "fat pocket" grooves, energetic solos, and a soulful, funky vibe. Key Tracks: "Keep That Same Old Feeling," "Spiral," "And Then There Was the Blues," "Feeling Funky".
Featured core members: Joe Sample (keys), Stix Hooper (drums), Wilton Felder (sax), Wayne Henderson (trombone), plus guitarist Larry Carlton and bassist Robert "Pops" Popwell.
A classic in their extensive catalog, praised for its quality production and essential tracks that define 70s jazz-funk.
This album marked The Crusaders' full emergence as leaders in the pop-soul-jazz genre they helped create. It produced popular singles like "Keep That Same Old Feeling," a fan favorite.
A highly regarded album, capturing their iconic sound during a prolific period. Reviewers and fans consistently call it a treat and a highlight in The Crusaders' catalog, a testament to their mastery in the pop-soul-jazz genre, with some critics noting its accessible groove over complex exploration but still highly recommending it for its feel-good, quality sound.