The Jazz Crusaders

I've always loved Joe Sample's piano work, and it was a treat to see him up close and personal. The Birchmere is a fantastic venue and we go there often. The three original members still on tour, Joe, Wilton Felder, and Wayne Henderson still kick it, but their age is showing. Wilton, especially, looked frail - every time he'd finish a solo, he had to sit on his stool and catch his breath...he really is giving it all to be up there these days! The most remarkable player (perhaps even mores so than Joe) is their Louisiana drummer...unfortunately I don't recall his name.

The Jazz Crusaders put on an outstanding 2 hour performance. I really enjoyed the music and the comments/insights between songs from Joe Sample and Wayne Henderson. Joe Sample son Nick played an excellent stand up bass. The drummer was excellent as well!

The show was fantastic. Wished the Crusaders had more time to perform!!!

For the most part, music [aside from country western] nowadays - in its flawed attempt to reinvent itself - is a waste of time. Today, those who critique the various genres - like the one The Jazz Crusaders are consumate and incomparable masters of - attempt to relagate it to a lesser endeavor they call "Old School". One should be careful not to miss the implication buried within that perjorative term. I, for one, reject the term "Old School' for buried in it is the supposition that somewhere along the way, a new - more relevant discipline has replaced the one established by the masters that preceded them - those who understood the architecture involved in the creation of good music. Joseph Leslie Sample, Wilton Felder, Wayne Henderson and Nick Sample are evidence that there is no "Old School" - only "school"and the new artist [students] - of all genres - would do well to make an attempt to enroll. Friday's [April 1, 2011] masterful display by the Jazz Crusaders shows that the new students need to take better notes and stop cutting corners and class...

The Crusaders have been favorites of mine for a long time. I didn't even know they were reunited and touring; I just happened to see the show advertised. The performance was absolutely wonderful and the food at the Birchmere was surprisingly good. Bravo!

This was the best jazz concert that I have ever been to in my life. After the concert, in the car, in th eparking lot.... I called my brother in Atlanta and told him that if they could to town, he MUST go to hear them. They are definitel better with age! It wasso smooth... Wilton, Joe, and Wayne are so some "old", bad (meaning too good), cats! A miss see!

These guys were and are still amazing. There isn't anyone out there yet who has figured out how to play contemporary jazz the way Joe Sample can - what a pleasure to get to see him live. And they are all playing real instruments in real time. Great young drummer and fun to see the next generation - Nick Sample - on bass. Please come back soon!