AMG Review of Carmel

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Pianist Joe Sample was a pioneer at creating melodic and accessible pop-jazz. His recordings of the 1970s and '80s were consistently popular, especially this best-seller. Sample is joined on most selections by fellow Crusader Stix Hooper on drums; electric bassist Abraham Laboriel; percussionist Paulinho Da Costa; and, often, guitarist Dean Parks. Flutist Hubert Laws guests on "Midnight and Mist." Although it would not be considered creative jazz, the catchy and often-memorable melodies, and Sample's fine playing, makes this CD reissue a pretty definitive example of his solo recordings.