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

Courtesy of Neil Jason Facebook

As reported by Frank Beacham, Neil once proclaimed from the stage of the P & G Bar in New York City “how hard can it be, it’s only four strings!”

A session giant who excels in every genre, Neil Jason’s place in bass history would be secure if it had begun and ended with his remarkable artistry on the Brecker Brothers’ live masterpiece Heavy Metal Be-Bop (1978). A former member of the Saturday Night Live Band (1983-85) and deputy for Will Lee with Paul Schaffer’s World’s Most Dangerous Band and the CBS Orchestra, Mr. Jason has also distinguished himself as a composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer.

Neil’s body of work is as expansive as it is stylistically diverse, encompassing seminal sides and concert dates by Diana Ross, Don Cherry, Harry Chapin, David Sanborn, John McLaughlin, Roxy Music, Nils Lofgren, John Lennon, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, Peter Criss, Gene Simmons, Mick Jagger, Sir Paul, Grace Slick, Harvey Mason Jr., David Johansen, Aldo Nova, Janis Ian, Gato Barbieri, Bryan Ferry, Michael Franks, Deodato, and Carly Simon to cite a very select few.

Neil Jason Sound & Vision:

Brecker Brothers:

“Some Skunk Funk” https://youtu.be/YeUgLV9C0j8

Dig Neil taking the lead vocal on “East River” https://youtu.be/wnfhHamrULc

Bryan Ferry: “Lost” https://youtu.be/_Ikpk1pTRsE

Roxy Music:

“Oh Yeah” https://youtu.be/so9OscJ2eUg

“The Main Thing” https://youtu.be/ib4-Lyxxyw0

“Eight Miles High” https://youtu.be/6ZAfAsN75T4

David Sanborn “Anything You Want” https://youtu.be/KhxqFOQt9Ww

Deodato “Shazam” https://youtu.be/FGNKZmpUWN8

Hall & Oates “Hard to Be In Love With You” https://youtu.be/BZ_O313vtnM