pure, old-time jazz soundReviewed by T. Hopson, 2009-07-19
This cd is a must for those who really like that pure, old-time jazz sound instead of that smooth jazz sound that is so popular with listeners today. Smooth jazz has its place, but it can't touch this!
Don't Miss This OneReviewed by Kurt Harding, 2008-11-14
As a long-time fan of Joe Sample and one who has seen him many
times in concert, I have no idea how Old Places, Old Faces escaped
my notice when it was first released. I never saw it in a music
store and I never saw it here on amazon until it recently popped up
in my recommendations. After reading the uniformly positive
reviews, I had to have it.
Old Places, Old Faces is one of those rare albums that has no
filler. Every piece is worthy. Nevertheless, I have my favorites.
Those are the mellow and dreamy Free Yourself; the methodical,
mesmerizing Black and White; the ever-so-cool Clifton's Gold; the
suave title cut; Hippies On A Corner, a punchy tune that oozes with
Sample's trademark style; and the relaxing piece that closes the
album, Angels on My Mind.
If you are a Joe Sample fan on any level, don't miss this one like
I did. The CD comes with an artsy insert in which Sample adds
personal commentary about each of the cuts. Get it before its gone.
You'll be glad you did!
love love loveReviewed by Sheri L. Mckinney, 2008-03-11
used to own the cassette. have been searching for cd at stores, could not find, even my daughter has been looking, she loved this cassette at the age of 8. we now own the cd, totally recommend, mr. sample is fabulous in concert, obviously recorded music of his is a hit.
Smooth jazz that doesn't suckReviewed by D. Bartholome, 2008-02-07
Is there such a thing as smooth jazz that doesn't suck? Yes, there is, and this CD offers proof. Joe Sample has always been several cuts above your average smooth jazz player, but let's be honest: he recorded a lot of mediocre music in the 80s and 90s. For this release, he cut out the synth glop, the strings, and the saccharine saxophone, wrote some nice tunes, and stuck to piano and Fender Rhodes. The result is a very enjoyable CD that grooves and doesn't insult your musical intelligence. It's mellow enough that you can use it as background music, but it's interesting enough that you can sit down and focus on it. It's not the masterpiece that some of the reviewers here are claiming it is, but it is high quality, soulful pop jazz. It's smooth jazz that fans of real jazz can enjoy.
Old sounds, Old MelodiesReviewed by W. Noshie, 2007-02-19
Released in 1995, "Old places, Old faces" is the coolest, smoothest
and most relaxing Jazz album Joe Sample ever produced so far.
All tracks are mostly acoustic with JS. emphasizing on his original
melodies, backed by Jay Anderson on bass, Ralph Penland on drums,
Dean Parks on Guitar, Charles loyd on Tenor Sax and Lenny Castro on
Percussion.
"Old places old faces" Original sound and melodies; one thing for
sure, this is a very pleasing and a well memorable album for this
great artist.
Highly Recommended
