Customer Reviews

Scratch

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Their last few dreary commercial efforts made people forget that the Crusaders were originally the Jazz Crusaders, and "Scratch" brings out the band's jazz roots, captured in a live setting.

The title tune is a powerful set opener. It's R&B/funk flavored, but Wilton Felder on sax and Wayne Henderson on trombone work out strong extended improvisations. It's a party tune that sets the tone for the album: never a dull moment.

"Way Back Home" and "Hard Times" were staples in the band's repertoire, and both are very well done here, but for me the biggest surprise was the cover of "Eleanor Rigby." An unlikely candidate for a jazz piece, the song nevertheless comes to brand-new life in the hands of the Crusaders, who ditch the faux classical feeling of the original and instead give it a big, swaggering tone. By the time the band heats up, lonely old Eleanor is one swinging lady. It's a classic and deserves to be listened to and played more.

I listen to the dreary pop that Joe Sample has been producing since he left the Crusaders, then I put on "Scratch" and I wonder could that possibly be the same pianist. Sample, Felder, Henderson, and Stix Hooper clearly never found the musical inspiration as solo artists that they provided one another as the Crusaders. "Scratch" is a key selection in their large and mostly worthwhile discography.

This is an outstanding album that represents why the Crusaders have to best one of the best sounding and performing jazz groups. The arrangements show off the quality of the musicians and having it live enhances the experience. I have listened to the Crusaders since 1973 and still find their music to be refreshing and invigorating. These guys have heart and soul that they pour into their arrangements and the quality shows it!

This album is a classic...I bought it to replace one that was stolen (along with about 400 other CDs) some years back. The years of growing up together and playing together shine through on this album, evident in the effortless smoothness of these tracks. From the fresh rendition of "Eleanor Rigby" to the flowing "Way Back Home" to the long-held TROMBONE (yes, trombone, NOT saxophone as stated by other reviewers) note by Wayne Henderson on Carole King's "So Far Away", this album never disappoints. The combination of Wayne Henderson's trombone and Wilton Felder's sax create a surprisingly fat sound. And don't forget Stix Hooper (drums), Joe Sample (keyboards), Larry Carlton (guitar), and Max Bennett (bass).

A must for a Crusaders fan. One of the best jazz, almost blues- like blends available. You can feel the intimacy of this live recording. Unfortunately, it may have been edited because it is a relatively short recording at about 40 minutes.

Loved it as a kid and hadn't heard it for years. Bought as soon as I saw it was back. Scratch didn't disappoint; just wished it was longer.

Product arrived very quickly! It was for my dad who is a truck driver so it arrived before I expected it. Smooth transaction :)

And this 'Live' project proves it! The Crusaders (Formally known as The Jazz Crusaders) found an even bigger audience with this 'New' sound that worked with the old and young. EVERY TRACK on this collection is a winner! This Album also spawned a Billboard Charted Single with "Scratch" (#70). You must understand that this was during a period when there wasn't too many Jazz Singles even making the Billboard Charts, so that should tell you something!!!

ladies and gentlemen, The Crusaders...applause..and boom..the best live jazz album I own takes off. After all these years it is still my favorite Crusaders disc. Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Wayne Henderson and Stix Hooper were never quite as good apart as they are together and here they create a masterpiece. For quite a few years after my turntable broke and before I got another turntable, my album collection was carted around everywhere I moved and when I was finally able to play a LP again, the first alubm I played was this one. The 'live' feeling is incredible, the music so good. Soooo good!

This is one of the most powerful live jazz efforts I can think of. Not too long after this album, Wayne Henderson left the group and they have never been the same. I love Street Life, Free as the Wind, Southern Comfort, etc., and Crusaders 1 and the second Crusade and both REAL FAT, but for my money this is the Crusaders at their best. The intro to Way Back Home shows the love and respect these guys have for each other, and while everything must change...it all started in Houston, Texas...'right Joe? ya' know...my mama, his mama, yeah same neighborhood...piano Joe Sample' 'an incredible drummer, we call him "Stick man" Stix Hooper' 'we call him "the Texas Twister" Wilton Felder, tenor saxophone' 'and then there's one more...me Wayne Henderson trombone, the Crusaders please...the Crusaders'

This recording captures The Crusaders in 1974 live at the Roxy.
I picked up a vinyl copy of this about 20 years ago and not being familiar with the jazzier side of the groups background, I was absolutely knocked out by what I heard. At this time they were at a crossover point between their earlier jazz stuff, and their later more commercial incarnation.

The title track starts with Joe Samples electric Piano, with the band joining rapidly, to kick into one of the best grooves you'll ever hear. Stix Hooper nails the whole thing together with a funk drum pattern that you'll probably never hear bettered. It's hard to beat the first track but their version of Hard Times comes close. A longer solo introduction by Sample on electric Piano leads into a soulful reading by Wilton Felder's Tenor sax. This is a bluesy track but even here theres still that funky edge that the band did so brilliantly. These two tracks are 5 stars for me!

However for me the remaining 3 tracks don't work as well, hence I've given the album 4 stars overall (it would 4.5 if I could). They are still good tracks though, just not up to the standard of Scratch and Hard Times. You won't be dissapointed!