"Gold" by THE CRUSADERS featuring Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Larry Carlton, Stix Hooper, Wayne Henderson and more (October 2007 US Hip-O Select/Verve 2CD Compilation with Gavin Lurssen Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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70ts Soul, R 'n' B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
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"…Freedom Sound…"

What a total winner this double-CD set in Universal's "Gold" Series is - and if ever a band deserved recognition - it's the Soul-Funk-Jazz-Fusion band THE CRUSADERS. There's a wad of detail to get through…so...

(Formerly known as The Jazz Crusaders) THE CRUSADERS are:

JOE SAMPLE – Keyboards

WILTON FELDER – Tenor Saxophone

WAYNE HENDERSON – Trombone

NESBERT “STIX” HOOPER – Drums & Percussion

This hugely revered American band has used many session men throughout the years but two stick out as practically the fifth and sixth member of the group – they are LARRY CARLTON on Guitar with ROBERT “POPS” POPWELL on Bass. It should also be noted that both ARTHUR ADAMS and DEAN PARKS have contributed superb guitar work too (featured a lot in the highly creative late 70’s period).

Initially released in the USA only in October 2007 as a 2CD set (it’s subsequently been given a UK release) - "Gold" by THE CRUSADERS on Hip-O/Verve B0008268-02 (Barcode 602517184053) breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (79:54 minutes):

1:  Freedom Sound (a Joe Sample song from "Unsung Heroes", 1973 on Blue Thumb)

2:  Young Rabbits – '71-'72 (a Wayne Henderson song from "Pass The Plate", 1971 on Chisa, credited as The Jazz Crusaders)

3:  Way Back Home (a Wilton Felder song from "Old Socks, New Shoes…New Socks, Old Shoes", 1970 on Chisa)

4:  Put It Where You Want It (a Joe Sample song from "Crusaders 1", a 2LP set, 1972 on Blue Thumb)

5:  So Far Away (Single Version) (a cover of a song from Carole King's "Tapestry" album, on “Crusaders 1”, a 2LP set, 1972 on Blue Thumb)

6:  Tough Talk (a Joe Sample/Wayne Henderson song from "The 2nd Crusade", a 2LP set, 1973 on Blue Thumb)

7:  Don't Let It Get You Down (a Joe Sample song from "The 2nd Crusade", a 2LP set, 1973 on Blue Thumb)

8:  Scratch (a Wayne Henderson song)

9:  Hard Times (written by Paul F. Mitchell, it was a hit for David Newman in 1960; 8 and 9 are from "Scratch: Recorded Live At The Roxy", a 2LP set, 1974 on Blue Thumb)

10:  Stomp & Buck Dance (a Wayne Henderson song)

11:  Lillies Of The Nile (a Wilton Felder song)

12:  Double Bubble (a Joe Sample song)

13:  A Ballad For Joe (Louis) (a Joe Sample song, 10 to 13 are from "Southern Comfort", 1974 on Blue Thumb)

14:  I Felt The Love (a Stix Hooper song)

15:  Creole (a Wilton Felder song)

16:  Chain Reaction (a Joe Sample song, 14 to 16 from "Chain Reaction", 1975 on Blue Thumb)

Disc 2 (79:53 minutes):

1:  Spiral (a Joe Sample song)

2:  Keep That Same Old Feeling (a Wayne Henderson song, 1 and 2 are from "Those Southern Knights", 1976 on Blue Thumb)

3:  Free as The Wind (a Joe Sample song)

4:  Nite Crawler (a Larry Carlton song)

5:  Sweet 'N Sour (a Joe Sample song)

6:  It Happens Everyday (a Joe Sample song)

7:  Feel It (Stix Hooper, Wilton Felder, Larry Carlton, Robert Popwell and Lamont Dozier song, 3 to 7 from "Free As The Wind", 1977 on Blue Thumb)

8:  Snowflake (a Joe Sample song)

9:  Fairy Tales (a Joe Sample song, 8 and 9 from "Images", 1978 on Blue Thumb)

10:  Street Life (Promotional 12" Single Version) (a Joe Sample/Will Jennings song) (guest vocals by RANDY CRAWFORD) (the full album version is on "Street Life", 1979 on MCA)

11:  Soul Shadows (Edited Album Version) (guest vocals by BILL WITHERS) (a Joe Sample/Will Jennings song)

12:  Last Call (a Joe Sample song) (11 and 12 are from "Rhapsody & Blues", 1980 on MCA)

13:  I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today (guest vocals by JOE COCKER) (a Joe Sample/Will Jennings song) (from "Standing Tall", 1981 on MCA)

14:  Hold On (Live) (guest vocals by B.B. KING (a Joe Sample/Will Jennings song, from "The Crusaders with B.B. King and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Royal Jam", 1982 on MCA)

The original master tapes were researched by RANDY ARONSON and mastered for CD by GAVIN LURSSEN at Lurssen Mastering in Hollywood, CA. The first few tracks do have some hiss on them that's noticeable but it's nothing too bad to detract. From about 1972 onwards that earlier hiss all but disappears and into the late 70's - the production values are fantastic. Most of the albums featured on this set were put out by Blue Thumb Records in the USA (ABC in the UK on the later issues) until they moved to MCA in 1979. And as you can see each CD is stretched to the maximum playing time thereby provided the best value for money. The 12-page booklet has a basic essay on the band's history by Michael A Gonzales (American Music Reviewer) and detailed discography info on each track.

But better than all that is the STUNNING AUDIO QUALITY – it literally explodes out the speakers on every track – especially the rhythm section of Hooper and Popwell. I mention the sound because having been hugely disappointed by the half-assed 1980’s CD releases and then the 4CD Box Set "Way Back Home" from 1996 which was only mildly better in my opinion - it’s a genuine blast to announce that at last Universal has gotten its act together and given this great band's catalogue the sonic overhaul they’ve long deserved. The sound quality is noticably better than all preceding issues.

My first introduction to The Crusaders was "Free As The Wind" from 1977 and it's thrilling to see 5 of its 8 tracks represented here in astonishingly clear sound – I’ve played this funky soulful masterpiece to death for over 30 years now. What strikes you most as you listen to the songs is the rhythm section - both Hooper and Popwell as tight as a nun’s knickers in the Vatican. The blissfully slinky "Nite Crawler" is a highlight too, but best of all is the near 9 minute funky workout that is "Sweet 'N Sour" – astonishing stuff. Towards the end of Disc 2 we get the duet vocals, the only clinker being the truly awful "I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here" with Will Jennings' worst lyrics ever (among many). A nice touch is the inclusion of the 12” promotional version of "Street Life" which is shorter than the near 12 minute album version, but longer than the 4 minutes single edit – I think this is a first for this version on any CD anywhere. There are so many highlights on here...I'll leave them for you to discover...

Initially upward to eighteen quid when it came out - in 2014 this 2CD set can now be bought for six and less. A superlative reissue – buy it with confidence. And roll on the solo stuff on another 2CD set.

PS: For those wishing to explore more of the Crusaders - I cannot recommend enough the first solo album by JOE SAMPLE called "Rainbow Seeker" (from 1978). There’s a Blue Thumb/GRP CD of it issued in 1996 with very nice sound. “Rainbow Seeker” features Stix Hooper on Drums, Dean Parks and Ray Parker on Guitars with Pops Popwell on Bass. It’s an absolute peach of a piano-based jazz funk record – well worth your seeking out...

PPS: see my reviews for other Crusaders CDs - "Pass The Plate", "Images", "Old Socks, New Shoes...", "Free As The Wind" and more...

"The Harvest Years" by SHIRLEY and DOLLY COLLINS (August 2008 EMI/Harvest 2CD Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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1960s and 1970s MUSIC ON CD - Volume 2 of 3 

- Exceptional CD Remasters

As well as 1960s and 1970s Rock and Pop - It Also Focuses On

Folk, Folk Rock, Country Rock, Reggae, Punk and New Wave

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"…The Prospect Before Us…"

This August 2008 EMI 2CD compilation is a long overdue reissue of all the recordings the highly revered English Folk duo SHIRLEY and DOLLY COLLINS made for EMI's Harvest Label in the UK (most of it in the Seventies).

As their albums are extraordinarily rare and hugely valuable on original vinyl - this remastered and specially priced 2CD overhaul "The Harvest Years" by SHIRLEY and DOLLY COLLINS is to be welcomed. 

Here's a bonny wee breakdown for EMI 50999 2 28404 2 4 (Barcode 5099922840424)…

Disc 1 (67:52 minutes):

1. A Beginning

2. A Meeting - Searching For Lambs

3. A Courtship - The Wedding Song

4. A Denying - The Blacksmith

5. A Forsaking - Our Captain Cried

6. A Dream - Lowlands

7. A Leave-Taking - Pleasant And Delightful

8. An Awakening - A Whitsun Dance

9. New Beginning - The Staines Morris

10. Rambleaway [Side 2]

11. Ca' The Bowes

12. God Dog

13. Bonny Cuckoo

14. Nellie The Milkmaid

15. Gathering Rushes In The Month Of May

16. The Gower Wassail

Tracks 1 to 16 is their debut album "Anthems In Eden" issued July 1969 in the UK on Harvest SHVL 754. Side 1 (Tracks 1 to 9) is collectively called "A Song-Story".

17. The Sailor From Dover

18. Young John

19. Short Jacket And White Trousers

20. The Bold Fisherman

Tracks 17 to 20 are four outtakes from the "Love, Death & The Lady" sessions in 1970 (see Tracks 1 to 13 on Disc 2)

Disc 2 (73:31 minutes):

1. Death And The Lady

2. Glenlogie

3. The Oxford Girl

4. Are You Looking To Leave Me

5. The Outlandish Knight

6. Go From My Window

7. Young Girl Cut Down In Her Prime

8. Geordie [Side 2]

9. Salisbury Plain

10. Fair Maid Of Islington

11. Six Dukes

12. Polly On The Shore

13. Plains Of Waterloo

Tracks 1 to 13 is their 2nd album "Love, Death & The Lady" issued May 1970 in the UK on Harvest SHVL 771

14. Fare Thee Well My Dearest Dear

15. C’est La Fin/Pour Mon Cuer

16. Bonny Kate

17. Adieu To All Judges And Juries

18. Edo Beo Thu Hevene Quene

19. Black Joker/Black, White, Yellow And Green

Tracks 14 to 19 are from the "Amaranth" LP issued August 1976 in the UK on Harvest SHSM 2008

20. The Gallant Hussar (from the album "Son Of Morris On" by ASHLEY HUTCHINGS and Friends issued December 1976 in the UK on Harvest SHSM 2012)

21. Hopping Down In Kent (from the album "The Prospect Before Us" by THE ALBION DANCE BAND issued March 1977 in the UK on Harvest SHSP 4059)

The 8-page booklet has an informed and enthusiastic essay on the Sussex sisters by DAVID SUFF - and along with TIMOTHY CHACKSFIELD - they organized and coordinated the compilation. KATHY BRYAN at EMI did the tape transfers/remasters and the sound quality is gorgeous - really clear, warm and full.

Shirley Collins held the lead vocals with Dolly playing flute-organ and occasional piano. The later recordings feature members of FAIRPORT CONVENTION.

It's worth noting that while some will describe this music as 'beautiful', I know others who pathologically hate it - simply can't listen to it at all. Without being the least bit flippant here, this is 'hardcore' Traditional English Folk and it's not going to be everyone's cup of Darjeeling. But, if they're prepared to give it a chance, even the uninitiated will find so much warmth and genuine heart here, because the songs are born of the real world. Most of the tunes have roots going back hundreds of years and tell of maids, family, weddings, struggle, ship life, poverty and war (one whole side of "Anthems In Eden" focuses on the women left behind as thousands of their men were slaughtered in pointless horror on the fields of France in World War I).  Special mention should go to the four outtakes on Disc 1 - they're superb and fans of the sisters will eat them up - fully formed and beautifully produced - many will wonder why they've languished in vaults.

Dolly Collins died in September 1995; her sister Shirley received the MBE in 2007 and in 2008 was awarded the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for her contributions to English Folk music.

A typically excellent re-issue by EMI of important musical lights from England's wonderful traditional music scene – recommended for those who like their Folk straight up with no chaser…

ERICK LABSON - A Remasters List

ERICK LABSON'S superb remastering work is featured extensively as part of my Series "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters 1970s Rock And Pop" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

                       http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00LQKMC6I

ERICK LABSON works mostly with the UNIVERSAL catalogue.

REMASTERING/MASTERING CREDITS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
“20th Century Masters The Millennium Collection” Series
“Blues Classics Remastered & Revisited” Series
“Chess 50th Anniversary Collection” Series
“The Definitive Collection” Series
“Gold” Series
“Rock ‘N’ Roll 50th Anniversary Edition” Series

Labson has over 800 credits to his name (1990s to 2008) for Engineering, Mastering, Restoration and Digital Re-mastering. This is a sample list of titles worth checking out. DRM = Digital Remastering.

1. Louis Armstrong – The Definitive Collection (DRM, 2006)
2. Chuck Berry – After School Session (DRM)
3. Chuck Berry - Blues (DRM)
4. Chuck Berry – The Definitive Collection (DRM, 2006)
5. Chuck Berry – Gold (DRM)
6. Chuck Berry – His Best, Volume 1 (DRM, 1997)
7. Chuck Berry – St. Louis To Liverpool (DRM)
8. Bobby Bland – The Anthology (DRM, 2001)
9. Bobby Bland – The Definitive Collection (DRM)
10. Bobby Bland – Blues & Ballads (DRM, 1999)
11. Bobby Bland – Greatest Hits Volume 1 – The Duke Recordings (DRM, 1998)
12. Bobby Bland – Greatest Hits Volume 2 – The ABC/Dunhill/MCA Years (DRM)
13. Bobby Bland - That’s It! Duke Recordings Vol. III (DRM, 1996)
14. Bobby Bland – Turn On Your Love Light – Duke Recordings Vol. II
(DRM, 1994)
15. Bobby Bland – Two Steps From The Blues (DRM, 2001) (Blues Classics Series)
16. The Crickets – Chirping Crickets (Expanded & DRM) (see also Buddy Holly)
17. The Dells – Bring Back the Love/Classic Soul (DRM, 1996)
18. The Dells – Oh, What A Night – The Great Ballads (DRM, 1998)
19. Neil Diamond – Play Me – Complete Uni Studio Recordings (M, 2002)
20. Bo Diddley – Bo Diddley Is A Gunslinger
(50th Anniversary Series, 5 extras – 3 previously unreleased, DRM, 2004)
21. Bo Diddley – The Definitive Collection (DRM)
22. Bo Diddley – His Best (DRM, 1997)
23. Willie Dixon – The Original Wang Dang Doodle (DRM, 1995)
24. The Dramatics - Shake It Well (Best Of 1974 – 1980) (DRM, 1998)
25. Steve Earle – Best Of (20th Century Masters… Series) (DRM, 2003)
26. Cass Elliott – Dream A Little Dream: Collection (DRM, 1997)
27. Four Tops – Keepers Of The Castle – Their Best 1972-78 (DRM, 1997)
28. Flamingos – Complete Chess Recordings (DR)
29. Billy Haley & His Comets – Rock Around The Clock (DRM, 3 extra, 2004)
30. Richie Havens – Dreaming As One – The A&M Years (M, 2004)
31. Buddy Holly – Buddy Holly (Expanded & DRM)
32. Buddy Holly – see also The Crickets
33. Buddy Holly – Gold (2CD, 1993/2004)
34. Buddy Holly – The Definitive Collection (DRM, 2006)
35. Earl Hooker – Simply The Best (DRM, 1999)
36. John Lee Hooker – The Complete 50’s Chess Recordings (DRM, 1998)
37. John Lee Hooker – His Best Chess Sides (DRM, 1997)
38. John Lee Hooker – Live At The Café Au Go Go (DRM)
39. Howlin’ Wolf – Ain’t Gonna Be Your Dog
40. Howlin’ Wolf – The Definitive Collection
41. Howlin’ Wolf – His Best Chess (50th Anniversary Collection) (DRM, 1997)
42. Howlin’ Wolf & Friends - The Howlin Wolf London Sessions (DRM), 2003
43. Howlin’ Wolf – Real Folk Blues/More Real Folk… (DRM, 2002)
44. Impressions – Greatest Hits (DRM, 1998)
45. Impressions – Further Impressions (DRM, 1996)
46. Joe Jackson – Look Sharp! (DRM, 2001)
47. Etta James – The Chess Box (DRM, Mixing, 2000)
48. Etta James – Come A Little Closer (DRM, 1974 title)
49. Etta James – The Definitive Collection (DRM)
50. Etta James – Her Best – Chess 50th Anniversary Collection (DRM, 1997)
51. Etta James – Love Songs (DRM, 2001)
52. Etta James – Tell Mama – The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions
(Blues Classics – Remastered & Revisited Series) (DRM, 2001)
53. Etta James - These Foolish Things (DRM, 1995)
54. Elton John – Love Songs (DRM, 1996)
55. B.B. King – The Anthology (DRM, 2000)
56. B.B. King - Chronicles (3CD Eco Pak) 2005
57. B.B. King – Greatest Hits (DRM, 1998)
58. B.B. King – Here & There: The Uncollected B.B. King (DRM, 2001)
59. B.B. King – His Best – The Electric B.B. King (DRM, 1998)
60. B.B. King – His Definitive Greatest Hits (DRM, 1999)
61. B.B. King – How Blue Can You Get? – Classic Live Performances (DRM, 1996)
62. B.B. King – King Of The Blues Box Set (DRM, 1992)
63. B.B. King – Live At San Quentin (DRM, 1991)
64. B.B. King - Live At The Regal (DRM, 1997)
65. B.B. King – Live In Japan (DRM, 1999)
66. B.B. King – Take It Home (DRM, 1998)
67. B.B. King – The Ultimate Collection (DRM, 2005)
68. Patti LaBelle – Definitive Collection (DRM, 2006)
69. Leadbelly – Storyteller Blues (Restoration, 1994)
70. Brenda Lee – The Definitive Collection (DRM, 2006)
71. Peggy Lee – Love Songs (DRM, 2003)
72. Ramsey Lewis – In Person 1960-1967 (DRM, 1998)
73. Ramsey Lewis – Maiden Voyage (& More) (DRM)
74. Little Milton – Greatest Hits (Chess 50th Anniversary Collection)
75. Little Milton – Welcome To The Club – Essential Chess Recordings
(DRM, 1994)
76. Little Walter – Confessin’ The Blues (1996 DRM)
77. Little Walter – His Best (DRM, 1997)
78. Jimmie Lunceford – For Dancers Only (DRM, Restoration of 1935 Tracks)
79. The Mamas & The Papas – Greatest Hits (DRM, 1998)
80. John Mayall – Drivin’ On: The ABC years (1975-1982) (DRM, 1998)
81. Brownie McGhee – A Long Way From Home (1998, DRM)
82. Stephanie Mills - The Power Of Love – Ballads (DRM)
83. Joni Mitchell – The Beginning Of Survival (M, 2004)
84. Moonglows – Their Greatest Hits (DRM, 1997)
85. The Move – Shazam! (Tape Transfer, 2007)
86. Muddy Waters – The Complete Plantation Recordings (DRM, 1993)
87. Muddy Waters – The Definitive Collection (DRM, 2006)
88. Muddy Waters – Folk Singer (DRM)
89. Muddy Waters – Fathers & Sons (DRM)
90. Muddy Waters – His Best 1947-1956 (DRM, 1997)
91. Muddy Waters – His Best 1956-1964 (DRM, 1997)
92. Muddy Waters – Live At Newport 1960 (DRM)
93. Muddy Waters – Real Folk Blues/More Real Folk Blues (DRM)
94. Muddy Waters – Rollin’ Stone – A Golden Anniversary (DRM, 2000)
95. Oliver Nelson – More Blues & The Abstract Truth (DRM)
96. Aaron Neville – Love Songs (DRM, 2003)
97. The Neville Brothers – Best Of (20th Century Masters… Series) (DRM, 2004)
98. Junior Parker – Backtrackin’ – The Duke Recordings Vol.2 (DRM, 1998)
99. Minnie Ripperton – Her Chess Years (50th Anniversary Collection) (DRM, 1997)
100. Jimmy Rogers – The Complete Chess Recordings (DRM, 1997)
101. Jimmy Rogers – His Best (DRM, 2003)
102. Rufus & Chaka Khan – The Very Best Of (DRM, 1994)
103. Steppenwolf - Gold (DRM)
104. Koko Taylor – Koko Taylor (DRM)
105. Big Mama Thornton – Hound Dog – The Peacock Recordings
(DRM, 1992)
106. Three Dog Night – The Complete Hit Singles (2004)
107. The Who - My Generation (2CD DELUXE EDITION)
108. Wishbone Ash - Argus (Expanded Edition)