The Jazz Crusadersofficially became The Jazz Crusaders with the release ofFreedom Sound, their 1961 debut on Pacific Jazz. The Houston, Texas founded band had gone through several changesboth in name and locationwhen they arrived in Los Angeles and eventually got their lucky break when fellow Houstonian saxophonist Curtis Amy recommended them to Pacific Jazz founder Richard Bock.Freedom Soundbegan a decade-long association with the label that was both prolific and tremendously successful. The blueprint of the bands enticing sound was already firmly in place, blending jazz aspirations with R&B roots for a potent dose of hard bop, soul jazz, gospel, and Texas Blues. The bands core membersdrummerNesbert Stix Hooper, pianistJoe Sample, trombonistWayne Henderson, and tenor saxophonistWilton Felderare joined here by bassistJimmy Bondand special guestRoy Gainescontributing guitar to two tracks. Highlights of the set include Felders opening 6/8 blues The Geek and Samples stately civil rights anthem Freedom Sound, which gave the album its title.

Blue Note Tone Poet Series

The Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series was born out of Blue Note President Don Was admiration for the exceptional audiophile Blue Note LP reissues presented by Music Matters. Was brought Joe Harley, a.k.a. the Tone Poet, on board to curate and supervise a series of reissues from the Blue Note family of labels.

Extreme attention to detail has been paid to getting these right in every conceivable way, from the jacket graphics and printing quality to superior LP mastering (direct from the master tapes) by Kevin Gray to superb 180g audiophile LP pressings by Record Technology Inc. Every aspect of these Tone Poet releases is done to the highest possible standard. It means that you will never find a superior version. This is IT.

This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at Record Technology Inc. (RTI), and packaged in a deluxe tip-on jacket.

Tracklist:

A1: The Geek
A2: M.J.S. Funk
A3: That’s It

B1: Freedom Sound
B2: Theme From Exodus
B3: Coon