“With On the Way to Be Free, the CSJC takes another giant step, showcasing the irresistible force named Dee Alexander on a program of evocative, top-notch compositions – an album that slots them firmly in the here and now without losing sight of their stylistic ancestry.”
— Neil Tesser
“Everything about this album feels like the best that Jazz in the 70’s had to offer, with the texture and feel of Freddie Hubbard’s, Joe Henderson’s or Gil Scott-Heron’s early to mid-70’s output. And much like on their last album, this all-original program holds its own with nearly anything coming out of New York, Los Angeles or London at this point...”
— WDCB’s Paul Abella
“They [CSJC] build a vibrant bridge between the classic era of soul jazz and a fresh approach that keeps this music so timeless. ”
— Glide Magazine’s Jim Hynes
“A wild and wooly set that sneaks some message into the sound, doing so without hitting you in the head with it, this is damn smart music for the times. Hard hitting stuff that really delivers the goods.”
— Midwest Record Blog
“Luscious, pin-drop music. Every word, consonant, and vowel, lovingly, fully endowed. A casual, slip-and-slide coming together, spontaneous combustion before the big bang. Big bang, big band crackle-popping in a sync-groove, slightly off-set toward the sweetly harmonic dissonance of something this way comes…jazz at its most populace-pleasing…”
— Carol Banks Weber (Coggie)
“…its melodic power and stylish group dynamics are what make the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective a prime portal for listeners who don’t limit their music by category but are driven simply by the groove.”