Just heard that saxist/bassist Wilton Felder founder member of the (Jazz) Crusaders passed away yesterday (Sept. 27).
I'm not sure if I ever caught him live. I have a vague idea I saw The Crusaders at Newcastle City Hall back in the mists of time. I certainly recall hearing Street Life on disc and radio when it was charting.He was 75.
Rest In Peace
Obituary.
Lance.
1 comment :
The Crusaders played Newcastle City Hall on two occasions in the 70s. On the first Last Exit cancelled their weekly Wednesday night gig at the Gosforth Hotel because they and their fans all had tickets for the City Hall! Larry Carlton was on the gig.
Second time around the Crusaders were to act as Randy Crawford's backing band. On the night Ms Crawford cried off ill. As the announcement was made that it would be the Crusaders only the contrasting reactions were hilarious - Crawford fans (few, if any, had heard of the band) almost wept in disappointment. Crusaders fans cheered!
Many years later, long after Joe Sample and Stix Hooper had left the band, Felder and Wayne Henderson toured with, from memory, bass and drums from America, possibly Italy. They played the bar, not the theatre, of what was by then known as the Newcastle Playhouse (formerly University Theatre). I was there standing, alongside Chris Yates (the then Honourary Secretary of Jazz North East). Tickets were a tenner. The place was packed - approximately three million people were there.
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