Rhapsody and Blues

The Crusaders - Rhapsody and Blues

Rhapsody and Blues
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Music CD Cover

Artist: The Crusaders
Edition: Music CD
Format: Import
CD Release Date: 2004-07-12
Music Label: Universal Japan
Soundtracks:
  1. Soul Shadows - The Crusaders, Jennings, Will
  2. Honky Tonk Struttin' - The Crusaders, Felder, Wilton
  3. Elegant Evening - The Crusaders, Hooper, Stix
  4. Rhapsody and Blues
  5. Last Call
  6. Sweet Gentle Love

Free Music Notes for Rhapsody and Blues

Free Music Review: Classic Crusaders
Hit: 5 Stars

I remember that when I reviewed the Crusaders' 1979 CD Street Life last December, I said it was possibly one of their best. I still believe that but this 1980 follow-up is not far behind. Actually, think I recommended it at the time.

They've gone for an opening vocal performance again and this time, have opted for soul legend Bill Withers, who sings the Joe Sample & Will Jennings tune "Soul Shadows". The song is available in a number of other places; Bill Withers' Bill Withers - Greatest Hits, The Crusaders' Best of the Crusaders and their Vocal Album but I'm unsure as to whethr the versions there are the original 8min 15sec full-length version here. At any rate, I'm a purist in some respects and I usually like to have these kinds of songs on the original album they came from (and with no bonus tunes or remixes).

Besides, as good as the song is, this album is about much more than "Soul Shadows". Wilton Felder, Joe Sample and Stix Hooper have cooked up another soulful mix of classic jazz-fusion. Other favourite tracks include "Elegant Evening", written by drummer Hooper and featuring a beautiful alto sax performance by Felder, the long-winding and funky title tune, written by Joe Sample and on which the man gives us a sound solo on electric piano, and the heart-rending closer, "Sweet Gentle Love" on which Felder again plays alto sax. (He plays soprano and tenor, and as does Sample play acoustic piano amd synthesizer, elsewhere on the album).

Bass is provided by Abraham Laboriel & Alphonso Johnson, percussion by Paulinho da Costa and Sheila E and Ralph Rickert plays trumpet on "Soul Shadows". Also must-mention, are guitarists Dean Parks, Roland Bautista and Phil Upchurch, who all give great performances and Bob Mann, who provides all the great guitar solos.

All in all, another great classic album by The Crusaders and another one in a long line that has made the transition in my collection, from vinyl to CD. Again, it was an expensive Japanese import but I just had to have it!

Rhapsody and Blues Poster

Japanese reissue of the jazz/R&B act's 1980 album. MCA. 2004.

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