The Jazz Crusaders – Freedom Sound (2025 Blue Note Tone Poet Series)

Description

The Jazz Crusadersofficially became The Jazz Crusaders with the release ofFreedom Sound, their 1961 debut on Pacific Jazz. The Houston, Texas founded band had gone through several changesboth in name and locationwhen they arrived in Los Angeles and eventually got their lucky break when fellow Houstonian saxophonist Curtis Amy recommended them to Pacific Jazz founder Richard Bock.Freedom Soundbegan a decade-long association with the label that was both prolific and tremendously successful.

The blueprint of the bands enticing sound was already firmly in place, blending jazz aspirations with R&B roots for a potent dose of hard bop, soul jazz, gospel, and Texas Blues. The bands core membersdrummerNesbert Stix Hooper, pianistJoe Sample, trombonistWayne Henderson, and tenor saxophonistWilton Felderare joined here by bassistJimmy Bondand special guestRoy Gainescontributing guitar to two tracks. Highlights of the set include Felders opening 6/8 blues The Geek and Samples stately civil rights anthem Freedom Sound, which gave the album its title. via Label

Label: Pacific Jazz, Blue Note, World Pacific Records
Series: Blue Note Tone Poet Series
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, Gatefold, 180g
Reissued: 2025 / Original Release: 1961
Genre: Jazz
Style: Hard Bop, Soul-Jazz

File under: Blue Note Tone Poet Series