If you are a lover of punch-driven, Tower-of-Power type horn harmonics and Earth Wind & Fire music, some of this album by the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective is reminiscent of that musical era. Tenor saxophonist, John Fournier has composed eight of the songs out of the nine offered.
The musicians do an excellent job of interpreting this original material and Dee Alexander is a powerful lead vocalist. They open with “Mama Are we There Yet?” which is quite reminiscent of the original Chicago based group, Earth Wind & Fire, featuring unison ensemble singing and funky horn lines with Keith Brooks II clearly slapping the rhythm into place. Ms. Alexander is the lead singer on their title tune, “On the Way to be Free” arranged at a moderate swing pace. John Fournier plays a tenor saxophone solo that puts the “J” in jazz as he floats above the funky rhythm track. Marquis Carroll offers a complimentary improvised solo on a tune called “Carry Me” and Larry Brown Jr. shows off his mad guitar skills. The percussion of Victor Garcia peppers this tune with spicy licks. “Behind the Crusaders” is a toe-tapping instrumental persuasion that moves and grooves.
The final tune spotlights the beautiful bass work of Andrew Vogt who opens the piece. This is another instrumental that has a catchy horn line and gives a nod to Mr. Brooks II on drums with an energetic, featured solo by Arm Fahmy on electric piano. The Chicago Soul Jazz Collective is a very soulful band that blends R&B, funk and jazz into a contemporary mix of excitement that’s interpreted by solid jazz players.