A compilation of keyboardist Joe Sample's work on the Warner Bros. label between the years 1989-1997 that I purchased from a CD Exchange back in '08. I prefer his earlier solo work, but there's still plenty of good stuff here. It's safe, characteristic jazz fusion from the '90s with quality collaborators: Tommy LiPuma, George Duke, Steve Gadd, Marcus Miller, and, of course, Randy Crawford. What sets this music apart from other smooth jazz releases of the time (other than Sample's fantastic technique) is its reliance on real instruments with real players; very little sequencing and no drum machines. I particularly like the way Sample handles the Rhodes piano.
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Tracks: nothing here requires active listening, but there's nothing worth skipping. Top tracks include Viva De Funk, Spellbound, and the 1997 remake of Street Life, this time without vocals from Randy Crawford.
| Song | Album | Year |
| Viva De Funk | Did You Feel That | 1994 |
| Chain Reaction | Sample This | 1997 |
| Hippies On A Corner | Old Places Old Faces | 1996 |
| Seven Years Of Good Luck | Spellbound | 1989 |
| Ashes To Ashes | Ashes To Ashes | 1990 |
| Mystery Child | Did You Feel That | 1994 |
| Spellbound | Spellbound | 1990 |
| The Road Less Traveled | Ashes To Ashes | 1990 |
| Summertime | Invitation | 1993 |
| Black And White | Old Places Old Faces | 1996 |
| Street Life | Sample This | 1997 |
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None
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