Crusaders 1
Vinyl 2 LP Set - Blue Thumb BTS 6001
VG++ First Pressing (1972) 
with Joe Sample, Wilton Felder

Condition: VG++ (EX) Vinyl and VG++ (EX) Cover. Vinyl was play-tested on all sides and plays really well with good fidelity. Original gatefold cover is solid with good color and no splits or writing. 

Crusaders 1 AllMusic Review by Thom Jurek
In 1971, the Jazz Crusaders reinvented themselves for the first time. First they dropped the word "jazz" from their moniker, and secondly they wholeheartedly embraced electric bass and guitars in their mix. Their new "debut" is a wonder of jazz-funk as a natural evolution out of hard bop and soul-jazz. 

While the wonderful horn interplay between saxophonist Wilton Felder and trombonist Wayne Henderson is still everywhere evident, the badass, beat-driven rhythm section has Joe Sample playing funky Rhodes piano against Chuck Rainey's basslines and an orgy of guitars -- led by Larry Carlton's brilliant lead work. These are all anchored by Stix Hooper's never out-of-the-pocket, popping kit work. 

Released as a double LP, the set offered all dimensions of the Crusaders and their new filled-out sound. From the driven riffing of Felder's "That's How I Feel" that features all three guitarists in overdrive, to the strutting, tough groove of Sample's "Put It Where You Want It," to the nocturnal harmonics of Henderson's "Mystique Blues" with punched-up horns and shimmering wah-wah from Carlton, to the exploding grit of his "Mud Hole," the band is in amazing form. 

The sound here is the place where the beat meets the street meets the stage in an urban jazz club. But the real prize on this set is the nearly 13-minute exploration of Carole King's "So Far Away" that became a staple of the group's live set. The Crusaders were onto something here and set themselves a new watermark, carving out a place for themselves in the new decade, and it turns out for posterity.

Track listing

A1 That's How I Feel
A2 So Far Away

B1 Put It Where You Want It
B2 Mystique Blues
B3 Full Moon

C1 Sweet Revival
C2 Mud Hole
C3 It's Just Gotta Be That Way
C4 Georgia Cottonfield

D1 A Shade Of Blues
D2 Three Children
D3 Mosadi (Woman)

Personnel
Drums – "Stix" Hooper
Electric Bass – Chuck Rainey, Wilton Felder
Guitar – Arthur Adams, David T. Walker
Guitar, Soloist – Larry Carlton
Keyboards – Joe Sample
Tenor Saxophone – Wilton Felder
Trombone – Wayne Henderson

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Shipping: Calculated domestic shipping via Media Mail or Priority Mail. Will ship internationally at FLAT RATES.  Records mailed in a proper cardboard LP mailer. All records cleaned prior to shipment.

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Return Policy: I do accept returns for up to 30 days. Please let me know if you have questions about this item or any others I have for sale before you bid or purchase.  If you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact me immediately and I will do whatever I can to resolve. This may be a replacement, a credit, or a full or partial refund depending on the circumstances.

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I use the Goldmine Grading System, and play-test all records. I note any differences between vinyl and cover, and make note of any inserts, special sleeves, or potential defects.


MINT (M) - Absolutely perfect in every way. Most often this is a still sealed record, records that have been opened are rarely if ever marked as Mint.

NEAR MINT (NM) - A good description is that it looks like it just came from a retail store and it was opened for the first time. In other words, it?s nearly perfect, with no visible defects. 

VERY GOOD PLUS (VG+) - Except for a couple minor things, this could be Near Mint. Most collectors will be happy with a VG+ record, especially if on the high end (VG++). VG+ records may show slight signs of wear, including light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Covers should have only minor wear. 

VERY GOOD (VG) - VG records are among the biggest bargains, and for many, will be worth the money. They can lack the original gloss, may have surface noise, and some scratches may be audible, especially in soft passages. But the noise will not overpower the music. VG covers will have signs of handling, and may have minor splits. 

GOOD PLUS (G+) - Good+ does not mean bad! The record still plays through without skipping, but it has significant surface noise and groove wear. Cover may have significant ring wear, noticeable writing, or obvious damage.

GOOD (G) - Record may have some skipping, but is otherwise listenable. I generally avoid selling Good (G) rated records unless they are highly collectible or desirable, in order to enjoy until something better comes along. Cover has major wear or seam splits that need repair, or heavy writing like radio station call letters to prevent theft.

Feel free to contact me with any specific questions.