Formed in 2019 as a result of a chance meeting between a saxophonist and a trombonist, depping on a pianist’s gig, a casual conversation between all three revealed a mutual love of the music of the Crusaders, for nigh on 50 years one of the world’s leading soul/funk/jazz/blues bands and session players for the likes of Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Randy Crawford, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton. Given that the front line of tenor saxophone and trombone was the Crusaders’ signature sound, allied to classic Fender Rhodes piano, it wasn’t long before a sizeable pad of transcriptions of their music was written, and Groove Crusade ventured out into the world to considerable critical acclaim. Just in time for the pandemic!

After the inevitable two-year hiatus the band resumed where it left off in the summer of 2022,  remaining a labour of love from six of the North of England’s most experienced players and continuing to delight audiences with feel-good music, described by one punter as ‘jazz for people who don’t like jazz!’.

‘ ……… the night opened with Groove Crusade (who are probably as near to the real thing as you’ll ever hear this side of the water)’

Fabulosa Festival, Yorkshire.