The Jazz Crusaders are among the most underrated jazz combos to have evolved from the post-bop movement. The original quartet blended its undeniably strong R&B and soul music influences into equally unique and rhythmically charged jazz progressions that likewise hark back to the bop mastery roots of
Miles Davis or
Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers -- from whom the
Jazz Crusaders boldly acknowledge their own name. By the mid-'60s, the combo had expanded to feature the formidable talents of co-founders
Joe Sample (piano),
Wilton Felder (tenor sax), and
Nesbert "Stix" Hooper (drums) along with longtime members
Wayne Henderson (trombone) and
Hubert Laws (flute). With the addition of the legendary
Al McKibbon (bass) earlier in the decade, the band's sound began to shift.
Chile con Soul (1965) is one of the best examples of the Jazz Crusaders at one of the many musical pinnacles in their 30-plus year existence. As one might anticipate, this long-player features some heavily Latin-flavored material. The LP's eight sides are further authenticated by percussionists
Carlos Vidal (who played with
Charlie Barnet's band as far back as the late '40s),
Mongo Santamaria, and
Cal Tjader veteran
Carmelo Garcia. From the soulful strut of
Sample's opening "Agua Dulce (Sweetwater)" or
Laws' midtempo counterpart, "Tacos,"
Chile con Soul provides a funky façade that complements the fiery "Latin Bit" and syncopated frenzy of "Dulzura." Of particular note is the chugging cadence on this arrangement of "The Breeze and I," which pulsates and grooves behind some alternately pungent and slinky solos that trade freely between
Felder,
Henderson, and especially the unencumbered ethereal runs from
Laws. Any level of jazz enthusiast will find much worth revisiting on
Chile con Soul. The 2003 CD reissue boasts a tremendous audio upgrade from all previous versions and is among the first titles from the group's Pacific Jazz titles to be released domestically. Earnest enthusiasts and collectors interested in locating additional offerings from the Jazz Crusaders during this era are encouraged to find the Japanese import versions of many of their other titles. ~ Lindsay Planer