The late, great Wilton Louis Felder first made his mark in the music biz as a saxophonist and founding member of the groundbreaking Crusaders jazz ensemble with Joe Sample and Stix Hooper. Originally tabbed the “Jazz Crusaders” – this innovative collective was among the early practitioners of “soul jazz” and “jazz funk” – later to be referred to as “jazz fusion” and ultimately “smooth jazz.” 

In the late 1960s, Felder commenced to working sessions on electric bass, waxing sides with the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, John Cale, Seals & Crofts, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Randy Newman, Michael Franks, Steely Dan, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Laws, Shuggie Otis, Dee Dee Bridegwater, and Joan Baez, to cite a select few.

With a Fender Precision that growled when he grooved, Wilton also waxed eight solo sides, and also served as a producer, composer, and arranger.

Wilton Felder Sound & Vision…

Joni Mitchell “Free Man in Paris” https://youtu.be/jQj6h8KpkiQ

Jackson 5 “I Want You Back” https://youtu.be/UvynvnxZJ3Q

Billy Joel “The Entertainer” https://youtu.be/d_VHFyaSXQw