After Hours

Hank Crawford's "After Hours" is a captivating journey through the soulful and dynamic landscape of jazz, blending elements of soul jazz, jazz blues, jazz funk, and hard bop. Released on February 8, 2005, under Rhino Atlantic, this album is a reissue of Crawford's 1966 classic, offering a fresh take on timeless sounds. With a runtime of just over 33 minutes, the album packs a powerful punch, featuring eight tracks that showcase Crawford's mastery of the saxophone and his ability to infuse each note with raw emotion and technical brilliance.

The album opens with the title track, "After Hours," setting the tone for a night of sultry, late-night jazz. Tracks like "Junction" and "Soul Shoutin'" highlight Crawford's knack for creating infectious grooves and memorable melodies, while "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)" and "Makin' Whoopee" showcase his versatility and depth. Each song is a testament to Crawford's enduring influence on the jazz genre, making "After Hours" a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Hank Crawford, born Bennie Ross Crawford Jr., was a versatile American musician renowned for his mastery of the alto saxophone, piano, and his skills as an arranger and songwriter. Hailing from Memphis, Crawford's career spanned multiple genres, including R&B, hard bop, jazz-funk, and soul jazz. He gained early fame as a member of Ray Charles' band in the late 1950s, where he served as the musical director, contributing to the iconic sound of the group. Crawford's warm and incisive tone, reminiscent of Charlie Parker, combined with his storytelling lyricism, made his performances both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. After his tenure with Ray Charles, Crawford embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous acclaimed albums under labels such as Atlantic, CTI, and Milestone. His discography is a testament to his enduring talent and influence in the jazz world.

After Hours

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