NILS LANDGREN & JOE SAMPLE — Creole Love Call (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Swedish trombonist and vocalist Nils Landgren joins forces with Joe Sample and friends in New Orleans for this studio session, which mixes up a hot gumbo of R&B, jazz, and Crescent City down-home fun. The play list draws from many styles, including works by local legend Allen Toussaint, Ray Charles, rocker Stephen Stills, and even Willie Nelson, as was as originals by Sample and one from jazz master Duke Ellington. The duet tracks are the most fun as Landgren shares the vocals with Ray Parker, Jr. ("Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay") and Charmaine Neville (on the funky "With You in Mind"). The guitar and percussion-heavy take of "Love the One You're With" leans more toward Stills' original conception than the Isley Brothers' overdone interpretation, though Sample's playful licks keep things loose and the heavy overdubs of the composer are missing in this version. The only dull track is the monotonous "I Can't Get Enough of Your Love," which wears out its welcome quickly. "Creole Love Call" adds the Piety Street Brass Band for a slightly modern twist on an early jazz favorite from the 1920s. When he's not singing, Landgren plays a mean trombone. Fortunately, this CD was completed several months before the unwelcome arrival of Hurricane Katrina. Ken Dryden

 More about the album:
The man with the red trombone is always on the look out for new challenges. This is what has made Nils Landgren one of the most creative, many-sided and also most successful artists to be currently found in the European jazz scene. Since 1994 he has been under contract to the ACT Label from Munich, releasing over this period 12 albums in his own name. Seven have received the golden German Jazz Award, with two even going platinum! Meanwhile, his role as producer of Swedish singers Rigmor Gustafsson and Viktoria Tolstoy has brought him two further gold awards.

With "Mr Redhorn" Nils Landgren, who "for a long time has been at the forefront of European jazz trombonists" (Spiegel), you don't only associate the frenetic celebrated concerts of his groovy Funk Unit, which has been ceaselessly on the road for the past year with the successful project FUNKY ABBA (ACT 9430-2). You also know him from his intimate duos with Esbjörn Svensson where they would rework Swedish folk songs, from his chamber concerts of religious music or from his collaborations with big bands.

One first came across Nils Landgren as the sensitive interpreter of ballads on his 1999 album Ballads (ACT 9269-2) from which can be appreciated his gentle and touching voice and "hypnotic charm" (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung). Following this he released his platinum disc Sentimental Journey (ACT 9409-2) and produced the exceptionally successful album I Will Wait For You (ACT 9418-2) by Rigmor Gustafsson. In 2005 the journey has now taken him to the southern states of USA, leading him to New Orleans.

There are many reasons for this. Karl-Erik Landgren would habitually tell his young son: ”Listen to this music, it’s the real stuff”, whenever he took up his cornet to rehearse the swinging tunes from the New Orleans era with his band or played his shellac discs. The enthusiasm spread from father to son and the fascination for the sounds and rhythms of the cradle of jazz was passed on to the young Nils. It was a lifelong dream of his father to set foot in the hometown of jazz at least once in his life. Nils made the journey in his place in spring 2005, in order to realise a project devoted to the music of the American South. A project that could only be recorded in one town and with one man in particular: in New Orleans and with Joe Sample: Creole Love Call.

Born in Houston, Texas, Joe Sample grew up exposed to the usual Southern mix of jazz, blues and gospel. He is known above all as a founder member, pianist, keyboardist and composer of the legendary funk jazz band The Crusaders, with which he wrote musical history over the decades. So many of his songs became worldwide hits, such as "Street Life" sung by Randy Crawford in 1979. Many of these can be rediscovered on Creole Love Call. Since the late Seventies, Joe Sample has also followed a parallel career as solo pianist and accompanied stars such as Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker on numerous albums and tours.

Nils Landgren and Joe Sample have known each other for at least 20 years, from when Nils accidentally found himself in the middle of a recording session of The Crusaders in Los Angeles and then played together with Randy Crawford in Santa Barbara the following summer. Years later, after three of the original Crusaders got back together in 2003, Joe Sample invited Nils at the beginning of 2005 to join him on a major Japan tour - and thus Creole Love Call was sealed with a simple handshake.

The band which Nils and Joe specially put together for this album mainly consists of musicians from New Orleans. With a famous exception: the pop and soul star Ray Parker Jr., especially known for the title song for the Ivan Reitman film "Ghostbusters" (1984). Here he plays guitar and duets with Nils Landgren on the Otis Redding hit "Dock Of The Bay". The rhythm section includes bassist Chris Severin, who is known amongst others from many Dianne Reeves albums, Raymond Weber (drums), and Lenny Castro (percussion). Weber was in the 90s a member of Harry Connick Jr.'s Big Band and is to be seen on screen in the film "Ray" as the drummer in the band of Ray Charles. The busy percussionist Lenny Castro has worked together with greats such as Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Ricky Lee Jones, Diana Ross and Quincy Jones, and is also known for work with Joe Sample and The Crusaders.

Charmaine Neville, a member of the famous Neville Brothers clan, appears as "special guest", interpreting with Nils Landgren Allen Toussaint's classic "With You In Mind", which lyrics are written by her uncle Aaron Neville. Also appearing on Creole Love Call is one of New Orleans' most famous musicians, the sousaphone player Kirk Joseph, arguably the most important and most creative innovator of his instrument. Together with trombonist "Big Sam" Sammie Williams, leader of the New Orleans funk band "Big Sam's Funky Nation", he is a member of the legendary New Orleans' Dirty Dozen Brass Band. ACT
Tracklist :
1        Get Out Of My Life Woman 4:16
Written-By – Allen Toussaint
2        (Sittin' On The) Dock Of The Bay 4:31
Written-By – Otis Redding, Steve Cropper
3        Nightlife 4:33
Written-By – Willie Nelson
4        Soul Shadows 5:15
Written-By – Joe Sample, Will Jennings
5        The Brightest Smile In Town 6:21
Written-By – Barry de Vorzon, Ray Charles, Bob Sherman
6        Don't Take Your Love To Hollywood 3:13
Written-By – Joe Sample, Will Jennings
7        One Day I Fly Away 4:00
Written-By – Joe Sample, Will Jennings
8        With You In Mind 3:11
Written-By – Allen Toussaint
9        I Can't Get Enough Of Your Love 5:32
Written-By – Joe Sample
10        Love The One You're With 3:19
Written-By – Stephen Stills
11        Same Old Story 4:38
Written-By – Joe Sample, Will Jennings
12        Creole Love Call 2:52
Written-By – Duke Ellington
Credits :
Nils Landgren – Trombone and Vocals
Joe Sample – Grand piano, Fender Rhodes
Ray Parker Jr. – Guitar and Vocals
Chris Severin – Acoustic Bass
Raymond Weber – Drums
Lenny Castro – Percussion

Special Guest:
Charmaine Neville – Vocals

IDA SAND — The Gospel Truth (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Earthy and distinctive, gospel-infused, blues and soul-soaked: Ida Sand sings classics from Nina Simone to Bobby Scott. with Raul Midón, Joe Sample and Nils Landgren as guests, among others. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Eyes On The Prize    3:35
2    Ain't No Sunshine    3:45
3    He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother    4:12
4    A Change Is Gonna Come    4:32
5    Have A Talk With God    3:37
6    I Wanna Know What Love Is    4:50
7    Until The End    3:15
8    I Wish I Would Know How    4:14
9    Have A Little Faith In Me    4:21
10    It Is To Know    3:49
11    Like A Prayer    4:00
12    God Only Knows    4:16
Credits :
Ida Sand - Vocals, Piano & Keyboards
Mattias Torell - Guitars
Thobias Gabrielson - Bass
Anders Hedlund - Drums & Percussion

Special Guests:
Raul Midón - Vocals
Joe Sample - Piano
Steve Gadd - Drums
Nils Landgren - Trombone
Magnus Lindgren - Woodwinds
The ACT Jubilee Singers - Backing Vocals

NILS LANDGREN — The Moon, The Stars And You (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Re-release of a milestone in Swedish jazz history. An incredibly atmospheric interpretation of the rich Swedish folk tradition. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Moonshadow 5:11
Written-By – Cat Stevens
2    The Moon, The Stars And You 3:28
Written-By – Michael Wollny, Nils Landgren
3    Oh You Crazy Moon 3:34
Written-By – Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke
4    Joe's Moonblues 3:57
Written-By – Nils Landgren
5    Angel Of Fortune 4:52
Written-By – Cæcilie Norby, Lars Danielsson
6    Moon River 4:32
Written-By – Henry Mancini
7    Til' There Was You 3:18
Written-By – Meredith Willson
8        Stars In Your Eyes 4:28
Written-By – Herbie Hancock
9    Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends 4:37
Written-By – Kris Kristofferson
10    The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress 4:45
Written-By – Jimmy Webb
11    Holofotes 5:27
Written-By – Antonio Cicero, João Bosco, Waly
12    Lost In The Stars 7:22
Written-By – Kurt Weill
Credits :
Bass – Dan Berglund (tracks: 1), James Genus (tracks: 11), Lars Danielsson (tracks: 2 to 10)
Cover [Cover Art] – Martin Noël
Drums – Kiko Freitas (tracks: 11), Rasmus Kihlberg (tracks: 2, 3, 7, 10), Robert Ikiz (tracks: 12)
Drums, Percussion – André Ferrari (tracks: 1)
Guest, Accordion – Richard Galliano (tracks: 1, 6)
Guest, Backing Band – The NDR Big Band (tracks: 10)
Guest, Drums – Steve Gadd (tracks: 4, 5, 9)
Guest, Guitar, Vocals – João Bosco (tracks: 11)
Guest, Orchestra – The Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra (tracks: 12)
Guest, Piano – Joe Sample (tracks: 4)
Piano – Michael Wollny (tracks: 1 to 5, 7 to 9)
Trombone – Nils Landgren (tracks: 2 to 12)
Vocals – Cæcilie Norby (tracks: 5), Nils Landgren (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 7 to 10, 12)

JOE SAMPLE — Fancy Dance (1969-1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This recording (a reissue of a project for Sonet) was pianist Joe Sample's first solo set, although he was already well-known for his nine high-profile years with the Jazz Crusaders. Teamed with bassist Red Mitchell and drummer J.C. Moses, Sample plays mostly adventurous straight-ahead jazz on his date. There are some funky moments (particularly on the two blues), but all six of his originals have their challenging moments and Sample is heard stretching himself way beyond the predictable. Scott Yanow

JOE SAMPLE | RAY BROWN | SHELLY MANNE — The Three (1975-1978) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Japanese East Wind LP (which was made available domestically on the now-defunct Inner City label) features pianist Joe Sample, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Shelly Manne exploring five jazz standards plus Sample's "Funky Blues" in purely straight-ahead fashion. One of Joe Sample's finest sessions as a leader, this obscure outing is highlighted by his renditions of Oliver Nelson's "Yearnin'," "On Green Dolphin Street" and "Manha Do Carnaval." Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Rainbow Seeker (1978-1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Back in 1978 when this set was recorded, fusion (the mixture of jazz improvisation with rock rhythms) was declining. Keyboardist Joe Sample, best-known for his work with the Crusaders, was in the process of being one of the founders of "contemporary jazz," an idiom that has since solidified into smooth jazz. Sample emphasized catchy melodies, light funk rhythms, appealing chord changes and a pop sensibility. For this accessible release, Sample is joined by the late legendary guitarist Billy Rogers, bassist Pops Popwell, his old Crusaders drummer Stix Hooper, a horn section and several guest guitarists. All eight tunes (which include "Fly with the Wings of Love" and "Islands in the Rain") are by the leader, who is heard throughout in melodic form, setting up a variety of light grooves that serve as superior background music. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Carmel (1979-1985) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Pianist Joe Sample is a pioneer at creating melodic and accessible pop-jazz. His recordings of the 1970s and '80s were consistently popular, especially this best-seller. Sample is joined on most selections by fellow Crusader Stix Hooper on drums, electric bassist Abraham Laboriel, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, and, often, guitarist Dean Parks. Flutist Hubert Laws guests on "Midnight and Mist." The memorable melodies, clean harmonics, and Sample's fine playing make Carmel a high point among his solo recordings  Scott Yanow    
Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Voices in the Rain (1980) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There is a fair amount of variety on this reasonably enjoyable but not essential release from keyboardist Joe Sample. Most of the tunes fall into the area of funky crossover with strong melodies, danceable rhythms and few chances taken. Flora Purim takes the vocal on "Shadows" and is joined by two other singers for the spirited "Burnin' Up The Carnival." The acoustic "Sonata In Solitude" has violinist L. Subramaniam, guitarist John Collins and bassist Ray Brown, but that is a one-time departure on what is basically a commercial set geared for radio airplay. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE • DAVID T. WALKER — Swing Street Cafe (1981-2008) Serie Verve Originals | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After releasing three very successful solo albums of contemporary jazz in a row -- 1978's Rainbow Seeker, 1979's Carmel, and 1980's Voices in the Rain -- Crusaders' pianist Joe Sample decided that a return to his roots was necessary, and recorded this date with famed soul and jazz session guitarist David T. Walker and released this tribute to classic rhythm and blues. Interestingly, the date had actually been recorded between Rainbow Seeker and Carmel, but remained unreleased until 1981 because of the chart success of the previous albums and his sold-out touring dates as a solo act and with the Crusaders. Sample and Walker hired the best in the business and the rhythm section here is made up of Motown bassist James Jamerson and famed Capitol session drummer Earl Palmer. In addition, the pair hired a horn section comprised of Herman Riley, Al Aarons, John Kelson, and Ernie Fields, Jr. The material is made up of wonderfully articulated covers of R&B touchstones such as Ray Charles' "Hallelujah, I Love Her So," Jimmy Reed's "Honest I Do," Chuck Willis' "C.C. Rider," and Bill Doggett's "Honky Tonk," to name a few. Produced by the Crusaders own production company, this date was recorded in two days and feels like its participants had a ball. Sample is at his most boisterous here, playing both Rhodes piano and upright, letting it just rip with both boogie-woogie runs, tough blues licks, and extended vamps (check his Professor Longhair New Orleans style barrelhouse piano on a cover of "Woke Up This Morning" where Walker lets loose too). Walker is an understated but brilliant guitarist in the same league with Phil Upchurch. He's a bit more meat and potatoes here; he's always funky and in the groove, but elegantly so. This adds a nice textural element to these otherwise hard swinging, gutbucket tunes. This album suffers from none of the production curses that doomed so much of '80s jazz and funk. It's merely a celebration by old friends of the music that shaped them.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — The Hunter (1983) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Sample returns to the smooth jazz style of his popular albums Rainbow Seeker, Carmel, and Voices in the Rain on 1983's The Hunter. The keyboardist fills up a studio with like-minded session musicians including trumpeter Tom Browne, horn players Chuck Findley, Jerry Hey, and Ernie Watts, guitarists Dean Parks, David Spinozza, and Phil Upchurch, bassists Abraham Laboriel and Marcus Miller, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, and drummer Steve Gadd, and sets them loose on some rhythmic tracks with a rock/R&B feel. The beat is paramount, a constant augmented by funky, popping basslines, with guitar solos and horn charts overlaid. And, weaving in and out is Sample, on either acoustic or electric piano, finding room to solo extensively. The solos are more of the rock variety than what a conventional jazz fan would recognize, since they are anchored to the relentless beats. But Sample is one of the more accomplished players in smooth jazz, and his sidemen are able to support him and, when given the chance, match him in their playing. William Ruhlmann    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Oasis (1985) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Joe Sample, who has had easily the most successful solo career of any of the Crusaders, recorded a series of melodic and lightly funky sets for MCA in the 1980s. This particular outing (which is available on CD) is unfortunately quite weak due to the forgettable melodies. Sample is joined by Dean Parks, Carlos Fearing, David T. Walker and/or Barry Finnerty on guitars, either Wilton Felder, Abraham Laboriel or Nathan East on bass, drummer Ndugu, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa and occasional synthesizers and strings; he plays well enough, but the material is quite inferior. One song ("The Survivor") features Phyllis Hyman's over-the-top R&B singing. Otherwise, the program consists of lightweight instrumentals, pleasant but mundane. Get Sample's Carmel instead. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Roles (1987) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Spellbound (1989) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With the supremely funky rhythm section of Marcus Miller (bass), Lenny Castro (percussion) and Omar Hakim (drums) propelling his piano most of the way -- the other ringers on a few tracks aren't bad either -- you would think that Joe Sample couldn't miss on this solo outing, Spellbound. Indeed, his distinctive piano cannot be mistaken for anyone else's, free of the usual mainstream influences and always a pleasure to groove to. And yet there is something too comfortable, too settled, too automatic about the musicmaking here, as if the grooves are being smothered by a warm, snuggly electric blanket. Another problem is the material; not much leaps into your memory banks. Nor is it meant to, perhaps, since the gently sustained electronic textures suggest that this is, above all, high-class background music. Al Jarreau, Michael Franks and Take 6 -- all Warner Bros. signees, natch -- put in characteristic cameo vocal appearances on one track apiece, and a background choir sings "Luna en New York" in Spanish. Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Ashes to Ashes (1990) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Joe Sample's recordings throughout much of his career have been consistent and quite interchangeable. Backed by a semi-metronomic if usually grooving rhythm section, Sample's acoustic piano on this Warner Bros. CD is almost always in the lead, playing easy listening jazz-pop; nothing memorable or unique occurs. The lightweight melodies are quite easy to take (serving as excellent background music), but it is a pity that Joe Sample has often seemed satisfied to stay at this unimaginative level, emulating Ramsey Lewis. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Invitation (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A luscious outing from piano great Joe Sample, this disc includes beautiful interpretations of ten standards and near standards. Featuring plush orchestral arrangements by Dale Oehler wrapped over and around Sample's piano trio, Invitation is simply one of the loveliest recordings of Sample's career. With a rhythm section made up of bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Victor Lewis, augmented by Lenny Castro on percussion, the music is of a piece from start to finish. Producer Tommy Lipuma has found a wonderful setting for Sample to show his gorgeous, acoustic piano stylings, and the orchestra feels like part of the trio instead of an add-on. When Sample uses synths, they are indistinguishable from the orchestra. Overall, a smooth, romantic, highly recommended recording. Jim Newsom     Tracklist & Credits : 

JOE SAMPLE AND THE SOUL COMMITTEE — Did You Feel That? (1994-2014) RN | Serie Fusion Best Collection 1000 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There is some serious shaking going on in the studio here, and it appears the veteran Sample has found a great situation to let out his more aggressive edges. What must it be like to be a legend and try to somehow uncover a path you haven't driven on before? How can a cat like Sample top himself? It's always rewarding when a veteran artist twists expectations with a brand new sound, even if reaching into his past for the germ of the idea. Sample darts at the listener with a whole new, nonstop brass funk approach, allowing his all-star Soul Committee to lay down the grooves beneath his still plucky ivory spirit. Though Did You Feel That? cooks from start to finish, employing inventive rhythmic touches, simmering cool, and a flashy retro production style, it's sometimes too easy to compare the wild horn tandem of Oscar Brashear and Joel Peskin with old Sample cohorts Wilton Felder and Wayne Henderson. Sort of a Crusaders for the modern age. What shines through, however, is Sample's successful execution as a leader of a true ensemble, rather than just a slew of sessionaires. He takes some tasty solos, but makes sure that members of the Committee are allowed their own voices as they chime in with the Chairman of the Board. And just for the record, the other Committee members include drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Freddie Washington, guitarists Michael Landau and Arthur Adams, plus percussionist Lenny Castro. An added treat is the funky historical artwork, an Aaron Douglas painting called "Aspects of Negro Life" from "Slavery Through Reconstruction." It shows the joy of the culture, perfectly mirroring the excitement found on the album. Jonathan Widran    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Old Places Old Faces (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Pianist Joe Sample's Warner Bros. session mostly features relaxed acoustic music. Sample emphasizes his original melodies during his improvisations and is backed quite ably by bassist Jay Anderson, drummer Ralph Penland and an occasional percussionist. Most notable is that tenor saxophonist Charles Lloyd guests on three tracks, playing in his usual mellow version of John Coltrane. But in general this is a relaxing trio set, not overly memorable but relatively quite pleasing. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Sample This (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In case anyone has forgotten how ingratiating and prolific Joe Sample the songwriter has been, the master of elegant funk re-records 14 songs here. And it is a cooler, more reflective light in which Sample and producer George Duke see his old tunes in the '90s: with relaxed, uncomplicated, to-the-point acoustic piano leads; a mildly percolating beat; and a veneer-thin garnish of electronics. It is both safe and risky to revisit the past -- safe because one is surrounded by comfortable material and risky because artists seldom recapture all of the old spark. Alas, more often than not, the latter applies to Sample's attempt to go home again, though the good tunes remain good tunes. Some of the songs go back to the Crusaders; "Free as the Wind" especially lacks the energy of the original, but "Put It Where You Want It," thanks in part to Sample's use of a funky old Wurlitzer electric piano, has a nice groove. Finally, just for fun, Sample slips in a jaunty solo benediction courtesy of Jelly Roll Morton, "Shreveport Stomp." Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE ft. LALAH HATHAWAY — The Song Lives On (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The daughter of the popular late R&B singer Donny, husky voiced Lalah Hathaway is the perfect foil for Joe Sample's compelling notion that The Song Lives On. Finding a happy medium between the graceful straight-ahead jazz trio vibe of his Invitation album and the plucky pop energy of Spellbound, Sample provides Hathaway on seven of the 11 tunes with a showcase for her sultry approach.
His and Bill Shnee's production approach is generally sparse, not much more than piano and bass, enhanced on occasion by Fender Rhodes and the occasional smoky input of Kirk Whalum. Sample doesn't seem to mind playing second fiddle most of the time, his trademark mix of dark chords and dancing, optimistic improvisations forming harmony lines behind her; often, though, his itchiness to step higher into the mix comes clear and he breaks into extended upbeat improvisations. On a cover of his Crusaders hit "Street Life," Hathaway turns the title into a mantra and Sample echoes her sentiments with sharp, percussive reiterations of the song's main melody. Then Hathaway stops and Michael Thompson steps in with some edgy electric guitar lines. Other song choices range from reverent takes on standards like "Fever" and "For All We Know" to vocal versions of older, well-known Sample instrumental hits; for example, with Norman Gimbel's cheery lyrics, Hathaway turns the once moody "All God's Children" into a life-affirming love song. The point seeming to be, in finding new life for both his old material and the classics, Sample is bringing a form of immortality to favorite songs. Jonathan Widran
Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — The Pecan Tree (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Pecan Tree is a collection of 11 compositions from master pianist/composer Joe Sample that were inspired by his Southeast Texas roots and influences. As a founding member of the pioneering quartet the Jazz Crusaders and as a solo artist, the pianist has created an impressive musical style based upon his early appreciation for jazz, gospel, soul, bebop, blues, Latin, and classical music. The Pecan Tree features many of those musical genres performed with such special guests as Lenny Castro and Paulinho da Costa on percussion, renowned R&B vocalist Howard Hewett, and newcomer Lizz Wright. Sample's Quintet kicks off the set with the title track, a Latin-tinged mid-tempo instrumental that features Sample's beautiful melodicism in harmony with the percussive mastery of Lenny Castro. The ensemble brings their creativity ingenuity to "Hot and Humid," a sweltering musical story of the region's weather condition. You can literally feel the heat from Sample's fiery piano chops. The soulful voice of Howard Hewett on "With These Hands" also makes this CD entertaining. He envelopes the listener with his gospel-tinged R&B tenor and holds you spellbound throughout this lovely ballad with his powerful range and heartfelt lyricism. The Pecan Tree is an apt tribute in the form of choice songs that describe Sample's true essence as a great musical storyteller and ranks alongside his smash hit Carmel with respect to his ability to deliver musical metaphors through smart phrasing and compelling melodies that reflect local settings. Paula Edelstein    Tracklist & Credits :