The Song Lives On

Joe Sample, Lalah Hathaway

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 20, 1999)
• Original Release Date: April 20, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Grp Records
• ASIN: B00000ILY5
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (116 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,586 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
"When Your Life Was Low," one of this album's four writing collaborations between former Crusaders keyboardist Joe Sample and pop's hack-for-hire Will Jennings, is typical of this CD's low aim and artistic laziness. The vague expression of friendship in "Life," voiced listlessly by the technically adept but boring Lalah Hathaway, is perfect for the office-ready smooth-jazz radio format and little else. Hathaway's appearances on 7 of The Song Lives On's 11 cuts are a blessing only in that they break up the monotony of Sample's in-one-ear-and-out-the-other noodlings; her extremely unnecessary version of "Fever" and a dull-edged remake of the Crusaders/Randy Crawford classic "Street Life" are résumé fodder and little else. --Rickey Wright

From Jazziz
Most of the songs on keyboardist Joe Sample's The Song Lives On feature vocalist Lalah Hathaway, daughter of R&B singer Donny Hathaway. "I've never been a formulaic Top 40 songwriter," says Sample, best-known for his pioneering jazz-soul band the Crusaders. "Usually, the singers - like Randy Crawford or Al Jarreau - who have done well with my tunes are great interpreters. Lalah has those same instincts." Sample's trio for the recording features bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr.

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indeed, the Song Lives On, May 5, 2000

By	Dexter L. Blackman (ATL, GA) - See all my reviews

The Song Lives On, it definately does in the form of this well composed Joe Sample-Lalah Hathaway collaboration. Sample, an R&B and jazz veteran of The Crusaders fame, provides lush bountiful paino laced tracks, that the talented Ms. Hathaway injects with feeling. Her boldfully sultry voice combines with the well crafted lyrics and emotional melodies to mesmerize the listener from beginning to end. What really works for the duo are the remakes of several standads, including For All We Know,popularized by the late Donny Hathway, Lalah's father. Ambitious as such an undertaking may be, the apple did not fall from the tree. Other stadouts include Come Along With Me, the reflective When Your Life Was Low, and Bitter Sweet. This is not just a jazz lover's cd, it is for those who enjoy easy listening, adult contemporary (whatever that means), slow R&B, or good music. The one shortcoming of the cd, is that Lalah's voice has quickened the longing of her fans want of her to return in full force. We want another album, girl! Thanks Joe.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Romantic Jazz CD of 1999!, December 19, 1999

By	Shae Williamson (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon.com, I think you messed up this time...giving the assignment of reviewing this CD to someone who obviously knows nothing about jazz. Ricky Waters' review of The Song Lives On couldn't be further from reality! Joe Samples' keyboard skills will melt through you like butter. Layla Hathaway (who performs on most of the songs) has an incredible voice that I can only liken to a silk scarf wafting through a light breeze on a sunny day. Her rendition of Fever will have you boppin' through your living room! When Your Life Was Low was an poignant, spiritual song that everyone (except for Ricky Waters of course) can relate to. This is a CD that has become a valuable addition to my collection and I highly recommend it to Jazz connoiseurs and romantics alike. Really, the nerve of Amazon.com giving the task of reviewing this CD to someone whos last review was probably Blink 182! If you don't know who they are...don't ask! Ignore this non-jazz loving reviewer's opinion and buy this CD. You won't regret it.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sunday Drive, An evening with Candlelight...., March 4, 2002

By	Psboston7 "~ And so it Goes ~" (Upland, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This CD was first introduced to me 3 years ago. I still have it on my shuffle. I can't express enough how soulfull this CD is or how it touched "me" the songs were insightful. I was going through a interesting time when I was introduce to this CD and remember loving Lalah's voice it was more to me than "smooth Jazz" it was a wonderful collaboration that I hope many have and will enjoy. A must buy for listeners who enjoy good vocals with a nice blend of Jazz.