Stix Hooper, Wilton Felder, and Joe Sample haven’t recorded together as The Crusaders in 20 years, but that changes on Tuesday when Rural Renewal hits stores. Eric Clapton guests on two of the eleven tracks, and the old Crusaders sound should be in full force with Steve Baxter on trombone. The band will tour this spring and summer, appearing on the same bill as David Sanborn in some locations. Sanborn will be touring in support of his own new recording, due in May.

Stanley Clarke has a new studio release coming out on March 25. 1, 2 To the Bass will traverse fusion, pop, funk, and world music. A diverse list of people will be making appearances on the CD, including Oprah Winfrey, George Duke, Hubert Laws, and Q-Tip.

Have you been read about EMI talking to AOL Time Warner about buying a majority stake in Warner Music? It could be worth $3 – 4 billion. But what does that mean to jazz? It could mean the consolidation of jazz labels. Blue Note could incorporate the WB roster, which includes Pat Metheny, Kenny Garrett, and Christian McBride among others. Norah Jones and Pat Metheny recording for the same company? It could happen…