Customer Reviews

Invitation

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We are all Joe Sample fans because of a distinctive style of
piano playing that is catchy, charismatic, and sometimes
remarkably impressionistic with his gift to musically illustrate
the places and memories that have most affected his life.
In this album, we are delighted to hear him appreciate standards,
his acoustic piano woven with some of the most beautiful
orchestration I have ever heard. This is the album to make
you feel good, relaxed, the one for the Sunday afternoon, or
the cozy late night in front of the fire with favorite people.
All of the selections are wonderful, the album is first rate
from beginning to end. I have just rediscovered it again,
and am totally mesmerized by it!! Outstanding!!

I call this the third album in Joe Sample's "trilogy of beautiful CD's." "Invitation" finds Joe interpreting the older "classics" ("Summertime," "My One and Only Love," "Come Rain or Come Shine," "Stormy Weather"), recent "classics" ("A House is not a Home") and soon to be classics ("Black is the Color," "Invitation"). Very few pianists evoke a mood the way Joe does and this is a CD filled with beautiful mood music. Want to relax? Put this in first along with "Ashes to Ashes" and "Spellbound," (in that order) and let this CD start the journey to reflection and relaxation for you when you get home after a hard days work. BEAUTIFUL.

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST IN MY COLLECTION! SAMPLE PAINTS AN INTIMATE PORTRAIT OF MANY SUTLE MOODS AND HAUNTS. HE GENTLY MOVES YOUR SOUL DEEP DOWN AND LEAVES YOU ON A MENTAL PLANE ON WHICH YOU LINGER LIKE A BREATHTAKING SUNSET. I'VE HEARD MOST OF JOE SAMPLE'S RECORDED MUSIC AND EVEN SEEN THE CRUSADERS IN CONCERT. HIS PIANO IN THIS PARTICULAR ALBUM BELONGS IN YOUR FAVORITE ROOM WITH THE LIGHTS DOWN LOW......., WITH YOUR FAVORITE OTHER.......... AND SIPPING YOUR FAVORITE BOTTLE OF WINE (MINE'S CABERNET SAUVIGNON). DON'T LOOK FOR MUSIC HERE THAT HITS YOU HARD AND LEAVES YOU STUNNED. BE READY FOR A NEW HORIZON THAT CONNECTS EVERY SONG TOGETHER LIKE A BOOK. WHERE AT THE END OF THE DISC YOU'LL GLADLY SAY "PLAY IT AGAIN SAM"!

"I extend to you an invitation of timelessness, classicism,
and an insight into the great gifts of those who have come and gone,
and those who continue to give. The bond is eternal,
the gift is everlasting, and it is godliness" ~ Joe Sample

This wonderful CD has a special spot in my smooth jazz collection, along with "Carmel." All the melodies are great and truly remarkable that only a great jazz pianist such as Joe Sample can interpret with such an extraordinary artistry and elegance. This is unparalleled piano playing at its utmost best!

My personal favorites include "My One And Only Love," the title track "Invitation," "Stormy Weather," "Come Rain Or Come Shine" and "Summertime." My special mention goes to the second track "A House Is Not A Home." His interpretation of this Burt Bacharach/Hal David classic (with meaningful lyrics) is so poignant that it moved me to tears just listening to it! They say that there is a song for every experience in life.

This is one CD that will make you want to listen again and again. It's a must-have for all smooth jazz lovers. FYI: Joe Sample was nominated for Keyboardist of the Year 2003, and Male Artist of the Year 2003 in the 2003 National Smooth Jazz Awards. Congratulations, Mr. Sample!

* * * * * TEN STARS * * * * *

This is one of my favotite albums in my cd collection. Its the kind of music that put your mind at ease and makes you walk in the clouds. Its elegant and tasteful. A true gem in jazz music.

to ease those tensions at the end of a day. It's about as good a mental massage as one can get......to take time out for a little introspection and complete relaxation while listening to this excellent selection and beautiful presentation of these standards ( from Gershwin to Bacharach, Ted Koehler, and Johnny Mercer to Horace Silver and John Lewis). That's quite a spread in one cd!.....and it all comes off well!

I listen with deep appreciation to Joe Sample's piano artistry, but I also have to give kudos to the orchestral arrangements and conducting by Dale Oehler......and probably the recording and mixing engineers for providing such great great sound.

Build yourself a drink, put this on your sound system, kick back and listen......you'll feel your petty worries and concerns drifting away.

This CD is beautiful from start to finish. Joe Sample covers each selection elegantly. He makes the piano sing to you with his version of "A house is not a home" and lets you know that Luther is not the only one who can do this song well. His solo on "Invitation" is excellent and the intro to "Nica's dream", my favorite cut, seems to lull you into a spell before completely carrying you away. Let this CD play and when it is over, you will want to take the journey over and over again. Pick this one up and hit repeat.

If I want to "chill" as the young folks say, this is the CD I play.

For one thing, the songs are Joe's interpretation of some of the greatest standard tunes. The title track is my favorite ("Invitation") with "My One And Only Love" a very close second.

Joe has a way of putting you and "another world" by the way of his piano. Take me away, Joe!!

THe tunes are tastefully arranged and the bass and drumming are superb. However, Joe doesn't ever get down to a serious dissection of the tunes. His solos are more like little decorations and embellishments than meaty improvisations.

Sample's touch is incredibly vivid and personal. His use of dynamics and his overall feel is impeccable. He has a velvet touch at the piano. However, the tunes all begin to sound the same with the same sort of formulaic voicings...similar tempos on all the tunes.

This album would be great to play while drinking wine and smooching by candlelight...you wouldn't be distracted by the music!

the music is simply great.mr.sample has a great touch of the keys.i've followed his music since the crusader days.this album has feeling and a good solid tone all thru it.very relaxing.