Customer Reviews

Spellbound

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You have probably heard Joe Sample and the Crusaders; however, "Spellbound" is nothing like it.
Much better; it is probably Sample's finest recording until this date.
Joined by Al Jarreau and Michael Franks on Vocals; Omar Hakim on Drums and Marcus Miller on Bass; JS delivers a distinctive and amazing groovy Crossover, Soul Jazz album.
How wrong can you be adding this CD to your collection?
Highly recommended.

This CD is great from start to finish. The title track and his collaboration with Al Jareau on "Somehow our love suvives" is just too good to turn off. Take 6 gives a wonderful vocal assist with the track, "U-turn" and the same can be said for Michael Franks collaboration on "Leading me back to you". But it's the magic keyboard playing of Sample that you will not soon forget. Buy it..Enjoy it!!

Working in my office....driving a short or long trip or just unwinding/chilling out, Joe Sample's "Spellbound" is perfect for all "occasions".

Joe's style is very classy, yet earthy...sophisticated, yet playful...sensuous and alluring...he will ALWAYS be my favorite jazz pianist.

When I first purchased this project in 1989, it was around the time "Take 6" wowed several segments of music (Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Pop, etc.) with their first release titled the same (Take 6).

These young men sounded FANTASTIC all alone (it is said voice is the best instrument), but to combine them with the tantalizing tones of Joe Sample on the song "U Turn" is an endless treat!

Another favorite is "Somehow Our Love Survives" with Al Jarreau.
He's another who utilizes his "instrument" of voice delightfully.

Joe, "U Turn" me on with your enchanting piano!

Joe Sample has taken many styles and combined them into an excellent jazz album that speaks for itself. From the fresh and innovative sounds of "Seven Years of Good Luck" and "Spellbound" to the up-tempo vocal "U-Turn" (performed by Take 6), the music takes you on a journey far from your circumstances. The other vocal tunes feature Al Jarreau on "Somehow Our Love Survives" and Michael Franks on "Leading Me Back To You". The popularity of these two pieces over the years still means that they can be heard on the radio over and over. My favorite, "Sermonized", constantly puts me in a cool, relaxed mood. I can be found listening to it several times in a row just because of the interest with moving 5ths in the bass line. This is definitely an album to have in your jazz collection. Very few jazz CD's have this many hits and just good tunes on the same disc. BUY IT!

I don't know if I've ever heard a better collection of songs!
Joe Sample is a masterful pianist-composer. Now I know why Eric Clapton had such a difficult time trying to play with these guys, which he was honest enough to admit (and we all know Eric is no slouch). Seven Years of Good Luck is an incredibly complex, yet beautiful and haunting song all at the same time. U Turn is a treasure also with outstanding vocals and probably the best ending to a song that I've ever heard. You can't say enough about this album. And don't pass by Michael Franks on Leading Me Back To You and Joe's piano solo. Quite simply, this is music at it's best. I'll never forget the first time I heard this - I was blown away.

This was back in '97 or '98 when I got introduce by Joe Sample of the jazz group The Crusaders on this album here on tape back then. This is really good. All of the songs are all the way thru each and every 1 of them. Can't name 'em yet but this is a Must. As to say I truly admire Joe Sample's creative work in his music. Love his style, his signature licks, everything. 'Cuz that boy is bad is still is 2day. I recommend along the Crusaders' work also to go with and 'specially all'a Joe Sample's work 'cuz that's my favorite keyboardist in Jazz and Music history since George Duke who is my All-Time Favorite Keyboardist, Arranger, and Producer.

The Southern gentleman sure can laid down some wonderful tunes, and Spellbound is one for the books. Whether it's "Some How our Love Survives," with Al's awesome voice to lead it all, or "U-Turn," with that fabulous group Take 6, the album both in its individuals songs and collective whole stand out as a wonderful piece of work. Thank God this is on a CD instead of a record, otherwise I'd have worn a hole in it by now and the needle would be shot. Take my advice, buy it.

I think Joe Sample is one of the most talented musical artist of our time.This Spellbound CD is a true reflection of his talent.His collaborations with so many great artist on this CD like Al Jarreau, Michael Franks, Take Six shows his ability to put together a great flawless project with so many wonderful sounds. There is something for all to enjoy on this CD. I will listen to it for years to come. I simply just love it I am sure you will too.

I love the CD. At least 1 or 2 selections from Spellbound are on all of my playlists because the songs speak to me on a lot of levels, and I always want to hear them. I have been listening to Spellbound for a long time and I will continue.