The first album by
the Jazz Crusaders
(which started an extensive series for
Pacific Jazz
) introduced the colorful quintet. With trombonist
Wayne Henderson
and tenor saxophonist
Wilton Felder
giving the ensembles a unique sound, the group (also featuring regular members pianist
Joe Sample
and drummer
Stix Hooper
along with guests
Jimmy Bond
on bass and guitarist
Roy Gaines
) managed to strike a balance between creative hard bop and accessible soul-jazz. In addition to their version of
"Theme From Exodus"
(hoping to jump on the bandwagon created by
Eddie Harris
' hit rendition),
perform originals by
Felder
,
Henderson
, and
Sample
(
"Freedom Sound"
). ~ Scott Yanow