The Jazz Crusaders featuring Wayne Henderson: Kick the Jazz: Jazz in the Hip Hop Generation

Too-hip jazz versions of today’s hip-hop hits are more than just a passing fancy. Either kids are hiding them under their mattresses or, more likely, they’re finding favor with established contemporary jazz fans with R&B proclivities. Wayne Henderson, the splendid trombonist, now puts his more-than-50-years-in-the-biz spin on what he calls jazzip hop. A refresher: Henderson records under the Jazz Crusaders moniker, while Joe Sample, Stix Hooper and Wilton Felder record and tour as the Crusaders.

Kick the Jazz offers fresh recordings of new songs and older tunes that Henderson wrote or co-wrote for the original group. In fact, the chestnut “Young Rabbits” gets renamed “Younger Rabbits.” While nothing compares to the original, it is kinda cool all these years later with hand claps. Joining Henderson in the fun are keyboardist Herman Jackson, bassist Larry Kimpel, drummer Tony Moore and saxophonist Brother Man Electronic. The rap tracks hit and miss, but definitely connect with the cool and jazzy “Rich Hood” with rapper E. Dooney.

Originally Published September 1, 2008