Search - Crusaders :: Crusaders 1

A True Masterpiece of Music

We No Speak | San Francisco Bay Area | 04/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Cd is one of the reasons Jazz Rock Fusion gained the immense popularity it had back in the early 70's. This was also the first time folks were exposed the the genius of Larry Carlton.



Few recordings classify as a masterpiece in any genre, but this amazing recording is directly responsible for so many people falling in love with Fusion and Crossover music well before the wildly successful "Breezin" by George Benson came out three years later. Some would call it a Smooth Jazz masterpiece, others a Jazz/Fusion masterpiece, and still others an R&B masterpiece. Even for those (like me) that think Miles Davis' land mark recording "Bi****s Brew" changed the world, Crusaders 1 still stands tall after all these years. Another mark of a true Masterpiece.



In fact at the time the original album was released it hit the Billboard charts in more than one category:



*1972 Crusaders 1 Black Albums 29

*1972 Crusaders 1 Jazz Albums 3

*1972 Crusaders 1 Pop Albums 96



*Information courtesy of Billboard dot com



No matter how you look it, this Cd is a "must have" for any collection. The only reason I didn't write a review sooner (it's been out for almost a year), is because I loved this album so much, I tracked it down and bought the Japanese Import that was released in 1993.



As the owner of Jazz Rock World and a "Fusion Specialist" I can tell you that this Cd is not a typical Fusion shredfest, wankathon, "too many notes", musically self indulgent, or another boring "what are they doing?" collection of songs. This outing finds the Crusaders (having recently dropped the word Jazz from their name) writing and covering some fantastic material full of the most tasteful "jazzy" sounding music ever recorded.



From beginning to end, this CD is ear candy for adults with a yearning for good music with "class", "style", and played by musicians of exceptional talent.



I don't know who is responsible for finally bringing this classic out of the vaults for the US market, but I would personally like to extend my heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude for making it happen.



Rick Calic

Jazz Rock World dot Com"

At night/in the car/travelling

greg s. | Minnetonka, MN United States | 07/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This music is just so damn tasty, it is mystical. These guys were born to play together. I agree with another reviewer about So Far Away, and Larry Carlton's guitar. I also love the trombone playing, simply because of the way he plays; the notes and phrasing he uses. Really though, it is a SUM being (even) greater than its parts phenomenon.



"

All-Time Favorite

D. McGowan | Houston, TX United States | 01/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For years I was looking for this particular CD to come out. I have always cherished this album ever since I bought it in the early 70's and would listen to it whenever meditating or for relaxation or comfort. I recommend this CD to all of my friends and they enjoy it themselves and thank me for turning them on to it. It is truly one of my all-time favorite jazz cd."