Joe Sample
Joe Sample was an influential American jazz keyboardist and composer, best known as a founding member of The Crusaders. Born on February 1, 1939, in Houston, Texas, he passed away on September 12, 2014.
Joe Sample began playing piano at age five, influenced by gospel, blues, soul, bebop, Latin, and classical music traditions in his Houston neighborhood. He studied under organist Curtis Mayo and attended Texas Southern University, though he left without a degree.
In high school, Sample formed the Swingsters with saxophonist Wilton Felder and drummer Stix Hooper, later adding trombonist Wayne Henderson to become the Jazz Crusaders (renamed The Crusaders in 1971). The group moved to Los Angeles in 1960 and released their debut album Freedom Sound in 1961 on Pacific Jazz.
Sample debuted as a solo artist with Fancy Dance in 1969. In the 1970s, he pioneered electric piano in jazz-funk fusion, collaborating as a top Los Angeles session musician with artists like Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Tina Turner.
The Crusaders achieved crossover success with 19 Billboard Top 200 albums, blending jazz, soul, and pop. Sample's innovative style shaped contemporary jazz, and he continued performing until his death.
Rainbow Seeker
A1 Rainbow Seeker 6:23
A2 In All My Wildest Dreams 4:07
A3 There Are Many Stops Along The Way 5:52
A4 Melodies Of Love 5:36
B1 Fly With Wings Of Love 8:30
B2 As Long As It Lasts 4:05
B3 Islands In The Rain 4:50
B4 Together We'll Find A Way 6:37
Label: ABC Records – ABCL 5245
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk
Style: Jazz Fusion, Instrumental
Joe Sample's Rainbow Seeker (1978) is a highly regarded jazz fusion album, praised for its sophisticated grooves, catchy melodies, and Sample's distinctive, fluid piano playing that blends funk, jazz, and Latin influences, effectively bridging his work with The Crusaders and his later solo career, standing as a strong, enjoyable classic in contemporary jazz. Reviewers highlight its irresistible rhythms, melodic hooks, and Sample's signature touch, calling it a benchmark in piano-driven fusion with no filler.
A blend of funky, energetic grooves and smooth, ballad-like sections, featuring electric and acoustic piano, synth, and tasteful guitar complemented by strong songwriting with deceptively fluid harmonies and memorable, catchy melodies.
Sample's playing is noted for its articulation, unique melodic sense, and "golden light touch," while Stix Hooper provides signature rhythmic support.
Considered a strong, enduring album that captures the essence of 70s jazz-funk and influenced many contemporary players. Often cited by fans as one of his best, alongside Carmel, offering "chilled and extremely satisfying" piano-strings fusion.
Overall, Rainbow Seeker is seen as a standout release, showcasing Joe Sample's versatility and talent as both a player and composer in the jazz fusion landscape, making it a highly recommended listen.