The Crusaders - Freedom Sound / Lookin Ahead

2013 CD collection.

This release presents the Jazz Crusader’s first two albums in their entirety: Freedom Sound (Pacific Jazz ST-27), and Lookin’ Ahead (Pacific Jazz ST-43). Employing a two-horn front line (trombone and tenor saxophone), the group’s sound was rooted in hard bop, with an emphasis on R&B and soul. They would shorten their name to “The Crusaders” in 1971, when they decided to adopt a jazz-funk style. A long alternate take of “M.J.S. Funk” from the Freedom Sound sessions has been added here as a bonus. The 16-page booklet includes updated and original liner notes, as well as the complete Down Beat reviews for both albums.