Joe Sample
Rainbow Seeker/Carmel & Voices In The Rain
(Cherry Red)
8/10
By Decibel Report

This Sample set of three classic solo albums from the 70s and early 80s breeze by beautifully as one would expect from the de facto leader of The Crusaders. They are like a soundtrack to an easy living fantasy or, for a lucky few, a real high life existence. The casual musical moods herein transport the listener to an exotic and serene space and therein lies Sample’s sweet spot. It also belies the consummate skill and hard yards of practice put in seemingly without a bead sweated.

His 1978 debut solo album for ABC, Rainbow Seeker, carries forth The Crusaders' blazing musical baton. Its stand out track, There Are Many Stops Along The Way, also features Ray Parker Jnr on guitar. Further stellar guests include fellow Texan Dean Parks on guitar, Brazilian percussionist Paulhino da Costa, and flautist/saxophonist Ernie Watts, among others, who grace this album with their artistry. The breezy opening title track contrasts with the mellow mid-tempo ballad In All My Wildest Dreams. Hot Latin vibes pulse and beat especially on There Are Many Stops Along The Way proving the variety and appeal of this inaugural solo album. Follow up release Carmel found his laid-back, relaxed sound pared down with the uptempo title song finding its opposite reflection in the gossamer-light Paintings; which is continued on the dreamy atmospherics of A Rainy Day and the smoky Midnight And Mist.

The final album in this sequence, 1980's Voices In The Rain, sparkles with Burning Up The Carnival’s Latin infused Jazz Funk still a standout song. Falling back on familiar tropes of sound, the much mellower Greener Grass and The Eye Of The Hurricane playfully insinuate themselves into the ear with their smooth tones. During this febrile period of activity, Sample was also enjoying chart successes with The Crusaders Street Life and more.

Three 7” single versions of Melodies Of Love, Burnin’ Up The Carnival, and Dreams Of Dreams wrap up this smart package of classy Sample’s solo sales.