This is the ultimate good time track from the ultimate good time band, the Crusaders. It was written by the late, great Joe sample and has been covered many times, the Average White Band's vocal version being one of my faves.
The Crusaders have been overlooked yet are such an important influence on so many Jazz players. Indeed they had some Jazz Giants playing for them; Joe Sample (pianist), Stix Hooper (drums), Wilton Felder (saxophone), and Wayne Henderson (trombone) plus a skinny white guy called Larry Carlton on guitar. They were big in the 1970's and had a hit with Street Life featuring Randy Crawford. They have kept popping up in various incarnations since.
The Crusaders are my all time fave band. If I had a choice of joining Steely Dan, Earth wind and Fire or the Crusaders then the Crusaders would win hands down. That's how much I dig them.
The Crusaders are the ultimate good time band. Great tracks that swing, mostly in major keys, infectious rhythms that defy your feet not to tap. From a guitar players point of view these tracks play themselves. They are simple and that's why they are fun.
I'll be posting more covers from this band real soon.
Ben :-)
