The Crusaders – Free As The Wind

One of the greatest jazz-funk bands ever put together, The Crusaders featured Joe Sample (piano), Stix Hooper (drums), Wilton Felder (tenor), Robert “Pops” Popwell (bass) and Larry Carlton (guitar). Free As The Wind is the group at its best in their post-Wayne Henderson years merging jazz, funk, and r&b with a smooth Hollywood swagger almost akin to Steely Dan. “It Happens Everyday,” in particular, is a lovely mellow number that moves through various changes with the ease and subtlety of a group of players that have been together for over two decades. Joe Sample’s piano intro and string arrangement here is near perfect, and guitarist Arthur Adams adding the perfect bit of jazz-blues flavor to the track.

Recommended – Full Listen