Phaze II: The Music of The Crusaders

“Over the years, Washingtonians have been fortunate to witness with pride the extraordinary number of outstanding jazz groups that have sprung forth from our area. We have another bright star to get excited about, PHAZE II.” – Bob Jenkins, Smooth Jazz 105.9

Formed in 1960, The Crusaders, the quartet of Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Wayne Henderson, and Stix Hooper were one of the first straight-ahead jazz groups to cross over into R&B, soul, and fusion. The turning point was 1971’s hit “Hard Times,” a down-home groove that made good use of the Wurlitzer electric piano. This prompted the band to shorten its name, go fully electric, and expand its focus. With guitarist Larry Carlton a strong asset, they recorded mainstay tunes such as “Street Life,” “Soul Shadows” with Bill Withers, “Keep That Same Old Feeling,” “Way Back Home,” and many more.

Since 1997, Phaze II has been providing Smooth and Funky Jazz sounds on the local music scene in the Washington, DC area by honing its craft of delivering quality music to their listeners. Phaze II has embarked on a journey to show the world the many talents that this jazz band has to offer. Phaze II has been fortunate to travel with, and back up, various world-renowned artists such as Regina Belle, El DeBarge, MeL’isa Morgan, Kenny Lattimore, Dwele’, Frank McComb, Conya Doss, Paul Taylor, Jackiem Joyner, Marcus Anderson, Lori Jenaire, Althea Renee, BK Jackson, Cindy Bradley, Bob Baldwin, Shelby Brown, Gail Jhonson, Tony Exum Jr, Lynn Fiddmont, Dee Lucas, Kevin Whalum and Lin Roundtree just to name a few. Artists also retain Phaze II when they perform in the Washington, DC area.