The Crusaders debut in the United Kingdom was one of the more enjoyable and satisfying concerts of recent times. With current line up of: Stix Hooper (drums), Wilton Felder (saxophones), Joe Sample (keyboards), Larry Carlton (guitar) and new member Robert Popwell (bass guitar) they gave a very impressive performance of Jazz-Funk. Unlike the majority of bands playing in this style they are never boring, and always swing impressively. Most of the credit for this must go to Hooper (an underrated drummer) and Powell who lay down a tremendous beat. This provides the base on which Sample, Felder and Carlton weave their rich tapestry of sound. Felder comes from a long line of driving Texas tenor players, as his solos on Hard Times and I Felt The Love testify. Carlton is more rock-orientated but fits into the format perfectly with his cutting solos. The keyboard work of Joe Sample gives light, shade and texture to each number.
Most of the music was from their recent albums, including several pieces from ‘Those Southern Nights’. There were many highlights but outstanding were Hooper’s introduction to Lilies Of The Nile, almost any of Felder’s solos, and Sample’s piano work on Hard Times, which gave a distinct gospel feel to the number. Hopefully The Crusaders will return soon and I would recommend a visit when they do.
John Stevens’ Away opened the concert and played a steady set without ever threatening to set the world on fire. There was little variation in the numbers played and inevitably this was accentuated when The Crusaders came on. Personnel: John Stevens (drums), Ron Herman (acoustic bass), Nick Stephens (electric bass), David Cole (guitar) and Robert Calvert (saxophones).
