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Too easy a listen

Stephan Stuecklin | Basel, Switzerland | 03/10/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"All titles are well-crafted and cleanly executed, but for my taste they are somewhat too polished. I chose this CD because of Joe Sample's Crusaders past, but it isn't nearly as earthy as for example Scratch. In particular, the instrumental version of Street Life is disappointing and lacks originality. However, if you like easy listening with a funky touch, this album might well please you."

Ashes to ashes

Ronald Fernando Navarro Oviedo | San Pedro Sula,Honduras | 03/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think this is one's of the best albums that I heard in my life.
The sound is clear,like cristal,like a cascade of delicious sounds."

A Smooth Survey of Joe Sample's Distinctive Style

P. Masuda | Encino, CA | 03/02/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For those not familiar with Joe Sample's briiliant and distinctive keyboard style, this collection is a smoother

selection of his most popular compositions. I always prefer

the original albums that these selections were taken from,

and I highly recommend "Old Places, Old Faces" from which

"Black and White" and "Hippies on a Corner" were derived, for

his pared down and tasteful trio sound with bass and drums.

If you like the fully orchestrated strings effect, the

"Invitation" album is a gem, from which his interpretation

of "Summertime" was taken. "Ashes to Ashes", "Road Less

Travelled" are from his "Ashes to Ashes" album, which

is probably more smooth jazz than anything else he has

recorded. Street Life is priceless in its original

recording with the vocals of Randy Crawford, and can

be found on the Crusader's album of the same name,

after all, the group was partially founded by Joe Sample

and is indeed, the Joe Sample sound in its earlier making.

It's hard to please everyone on a collection album, because

the overall effect of the album is weakened in its attempt

to cover all the versatility of style of the artist.

But as a sampling of this keyboard master, I recommend

to those who want an introduction to his world. Don't

stop here, and check out "The Pecan Tree" while you are

at it, as well as "Rural Renewal" which is Joe Sample's

reunion album with the Crusaders. Down home meat and

potatoes bluesy R&B, great grooves!!"