CreoleJoe Band

One of the many jazzmen who started out playing hard bop but went electric during the fusion era, Joe Sample was, in the late 50s, a founding member of the Jazz Crusaders along with trombonist Wayne Henderson, tenor saxman Wilton Felder, and drummer Stix Hooper. The Crusaders debt to Art Blakeys Jazz Messengers wasnt hard to miss -- except that the L.A.-based unit had no trumpeter, and became known for its unique tenor/trombone front line. Sample, a hard-swinging player who could handle chordal and modal/scalar improvisation equally well, stuck to the acoustic piano during The Crusaders early years -- but would place greater emphasis on electric keyboards when the band turned to jazz-funk in the early 70s and dropped "Jazz" from its name. Though hed recorded as a trio pianist on 1969s obscure Fancy Dance, 1978s Rainbow Seeker was often described as his first album as a leader. In contrast to the gritty music The Crusaders became known for, Samples own albums on MCA and, later, Warner Bros. and PRA have generally favored a very lyrical and introspective jazz-pop approach. ~Bio by Alex Henderson In 1999 Joe Sample moved back to his hometown of Houston, Texas and rediscovered the “la la music” that was so much a part of his youth. Cajun accordion, Mississippi and Texas Delta Blues, and some good old Texas two step, all conspiring to create what Joe refers to as, Creole Folk Music. Creole Joe Band features Joe Sample on accordion and the legendary Ray Parker Jr. on guitar & vocals. Also featuring from New Orleans: vocalist Erica Falls, drummer Raymond Weber, scrubboardist and vocalist Alex McDonald; guitarist June Yamaguchi; fellow Houstonian Skip Nallia on keyboards; and his son, Nick Sample on bass and vocals. The Creole Joe Band: a crazy and colorful reflection of their collective musical backgrounds is sure to put a smile on your face and a jump in your step.