Legendery pianist and keyboardist Joe Sample may have left this earth just a few months ago, but he did leave us a last testimony, as this album with the NDR Big band in a funky mood well states. It was recorded back in 2011, and includes old buddy Steve Gadd on drums. The tunes features signature sounds such as on the upbeat “I Wanna Go Home” and funky “Buttermilk Sky” which has Sample along with a rich and optimistic horn section. There are some rich harmonies that meld around his piano on”Islands of the Mind” as well as some lively latin grooving on “Gold in the Can.” The sax section saunters on “Creole Eyes” and Samples’ patented piano slinks with delight on “Rumfire.” Taste and class ooze out of this accessible and enjoyable mainstream set that is mature enough to satisfy any jazz snob yet also serve as an intro to all that is good about jazz, which Sample did for me decades ago with his Carmel album, for which I am eternally grateful.
Pra Records