●ジョー・サンプル訃報（続報）～それぞれの人生のサウンドトラック

●ジョー・サンプル訃報（続報）～それぞれの人生のサウンドトラック

【Fellow Musicians And Associates Talk About Joe Sample】

ジョー・サンプルが2014年9月12日午後9時50分（アメリカ・テキサス時間、日本時間13日午前11時50分）に亡くなって、その衝撃はまたたくまに世界に伝わった。テキサス州ヒューストンの病院で、奥さん、息子のニック・サンプルさんらに看取られて亡くなった。しばらく前に肺がんが見つかり、闘病していた。直接の死因は肺がんからの合併症とみられる。

すでに多くのアーティストや関係者がたくさんのメッセージを寄せている。そんな中からいくつかピックアップして下記にご紹介します。

～～

符号。

僕は13日（土）夕方。青山ブルーノートにドラマーのテリ・リン・キャリントンとリズ・ライトのライヴを見に行く予定にしていた。その直前にジョーの訃報を知った。リズ・ライトといえば、ジョー・サンプルがソロ・アルバムで彼女をフィーチャーし、日本に12年ほど前に連れてきたシンガーだ。その後、リズ本人名義でも来ているが、彼女は、ジョーが初めて日本に連れてきたシンガーだ。

彼女たちのライヴを聴いている間、ずっとジョーのことが頭から離れなかった。ただ、この日、ステージではリズはジョーについてのことは語らなかった。僕は、ジョーとリズのNo One But Myself To Blameが聴きたかったが、残念ながら歌われなかった。ライヴ後、コメントを取るために会うと、ジョーの逝去は知っていた。そしてジョーへの感謝の言葉ももらった。

ライヴ中、「音楽を好きになるということはどういうことなのだろうか」「好きになった音楽を作っていたミュージシャンを好きになるとはどういうことなのか」など、ライヴでの音楽を聴きながら、頭はそんなことばかりを考えていた。ほぼ満員の観客は、ジョー・サンプルが亡くなったことを知っているのだろうか。おそらく、まだほとんど知らないにちがいない。

ジョー・サンプルが亡くなった日に、ジョーが初めて日本に連れてきたシンガー、リズのライヴを、同じブルーノートで見る。リズは2002年4月、ジョー・サンプルのゲスト・シンガーとして初来日、その後、自身名義で2003年9月、横浜モーション・ブルー、さらに、2004年12月にブルーノートで行っている。

ジョー・サンプル・ライヴ『宇宙のように大きな背中』
【２００２年４月９日火曜・セカンド・ステージ・東京ブルーノート】
http://www.soulsearchin.com/entertainment/music/live/joe20020409.html
リズ＆ジョーのライヴ評。

2003/07/14 (Mon)
Liz Wright Will Be Coming To Japan
http://www.soulsearchin.com/soul-diary/archive/200307/diary20030714.html

Liz Wright Speaks: Music Speaks Herself
[2003/09/01]
http://www.soulsearchin.com/blog_archives/?p=561
電話インタヴューの模様。

A Crescent Moon Behind Liz
[2003/09/19]
http://www.soulsearchin.com/blog_archives/?p=579
リズ名義初来日時のモーション・ブルーでのライヴ評。

～～～

2年前。

そして、ジョー・サンプルは、2年前、2012年の9月11日と9月12日、ここブルーノートでクレオール・ジョー・バンドとしてジュン山岸、レイ・パーカーを従え、ライヴを行っている。まさにちょうど2年前だ。

そのときのライヴ評。

ジョー・サンプルはザディコ大使～東京ジャズ（パート４）～
2012年09月13日(木)
http://ameblo.jp/soulsearchin/day-20120913.html
（ライヴ評自体は9月11日の分）

そして、もうひとつ、9月11日という死去1日前がなんと、ジョー・サンプルと妻のヨランダさんの結婚記念日だったという。

ジョーもきっとこの日をベッドサイドで一緒にヨランダさんと過ごしたかったのだろう。その日を超えて、12日夜に逝去した。それをあとから聞いて、きっと、11日を絶対に乗り越えたかったのだろうと思った。

9月11日、記念日、2年前の東京ブルーノートでのライヴ、そして、その亡くなったほぼ当日にリズ・ライトのライヴ。すべての点がこの日に符号した。2014年9月13日（日本時間）、9月12日アメリカ時間。ジョー・サンプル逝去。点と点がつながる感じがした。

さまざまな思い出がフラッシュバックする。そして、下記の文は、みなそれぞれの人生におけるジョー・サンプル賛歌だ。ギャロウェイのものはもっと長文なのだが、冒頭だけをピックアップした。カール・カールトンがクルセイダーズに誘われたときの思い出話は、すごい。キっパー・ジョーンズまで寄せている。コメントはまだないが、レイラ・ハサウェイは自身のアイコンをジョーとのアルバム・ジャケットに変えている。

ジョー・サンプルは多くの友人がいた。そして、その多くの友人たちは、みなそれぞれのジョーの思い出をもっている。そして、彼を個人的に知らない者でも、ライヴやレコード、ＣＤを通じてジョー・サンプルは彼らの人生のサウンドトラックになっている。

■次回「ソウル・サーチン・レイディオ」ではジョー・サンプル追悼、入魂の選曲でお送りします。火曜日（2014年9月16日深夜24時、インターＦＭ76.1mhz）をお聞きください

■ミュージシャン、関係者からの公式の追悼文

A Scott Galloway:　（音楽ジャーナリスト）

JOE SAMPLE: Pianist, Composer, Keyboardist, Consummate Accompanist and Sideman, Rainbow Seeker - and Jazz Crusader - made his Earthly transition this day. May he rest in a peace as deep as the warm wraparound blanket of sound he left behind...
What a profoundly soulful human being and musician. To talk with him was to always glean strong opinions and emphatically wrought insights as well as uncut commentary, cuss-fussin' and side-splitting asides. What would my soul and ears be like today without his presence throughout my life? His touch was instantly identifiable be it on acoustic piano or Rhodes.

Larry Carlton:

In 1971-I was a young upcoming studio musician. On a Friday night I had a session for the folksinger from England named Donovan.
When I arrived at the studio Joe Sample was sitting at the acoustic piano. Before the actual session started I was plugging in my guitar and then ready to play. Joe and I kind of jam along together on an improv before the session started. As I said that was a Friday night-the following Monday morning I had a call from the Crusaders office asking if I would be available for the next two weeks to record all day every day with the Crusaders. They were already in the studio starting an album. Of course, I said yes I am available. Much thanks to Joe for recognizing the potential of our musical collaboration. Please remember that all of the Crusader members were nine years older than me. I had jammed on my guitar in my bedroom at my moms house with their records when I was 16 years old. So, of course I was thrilled. Well, the results was Crusader 1 which I'm so proud to have been a part of. After that I think I recorded 12 more albums with that great unit.
What a Great education for a young musician from the south coast of California. Joe's influence on my way of making music is invaluable and ongoing.
One of the Masters is gone- but I'm glad to carry-on my small part of the tradition.
PIP Joe

Earl Klugh:

Joe Sample was one of the greats! He not only was a brilliant musician- player and writer - he immersed himself historically as well. He educated us all with the depth and breadth of his knowledge, effortlessly weaving in facts and humor all while playing brilliantly. It was an honor to share the stage Joe- I wish we had more of an opportunity to do so. He brought so much joy to so many. Thankfully he leaves us with his incredible music and great memories. He was one of the greats !!

Ramsey Lewis :

Joe Sample will always be important to both music and American culture. He was from Houston, so he brought that wonderful "Southern seasoning" to his playing. He was a great pianist - both rhythmically and lyrically. And, whenever he was on the bandstand or in the recording studio, he made it a very special occasion.

Marcus Miller:

"Joe Sample, groove master, extraordinary musician and composer, Jazz Crusader, master storyteller, good friend. I'm grateful to have known you and to have had the pleasure and honor to work with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We miss you, Joe."

Nathan East:

Rest in peace Joe Sample jazz legend. Glad to have spoken recently & our final words were "I love you". My prayers go out to your beloved family.

Malcom Adams:

BREAKING NEWS:
So sad to report my long time friend and aquaintance, Joe sample, has passed. It is a sad day. He will be sorely missed, but long remembered. Join me in praying for the peaceful repose of his soulful soul. May he rest in eternal peace. I first met Joe in Japan in the early 80s. He was an interview guest on my CNN News broadcast on more than one occasion. I had much respect and admiration for him. The world is a little less soulful now. Here is the announcement from his family:

June　Yamagishi:

I'm so Sad and Heartbroken because Joe Sample has passed away. Great musician, Great Bandleader, Great composer and Great Person. He got me into the Creole Joe Band sharing the guitar part with great Ray Parker Jr, also C.J, Erica, Alex, Skip, Raymond, Doug and Nick sample. I had a great time to play with Creole Joe Band
.Thank you so much Mr.Joe sample, I never forget you and keep your music of soul on my mind. Rest In Peace Joe Sample. Miss you so much,

Kipper Jones:

I went to Jr. High School with both Wilton Felder, Jr. and Wayne Henderson, Jr. And when I moved into my first apartment in Reseda, I found that I would always see Mr. Nesbert Stix Hooper whenever I took my car to be serviced. We'd sit and chop it up while we waited!
All that to say, Mr. Joe Sample was a bit of an enigma to me. Never met him personally. I was simply affected by his genius for most of my life, and surrounded by people who knew him well and and had the awesome fortune to have worked with him.
RIP, Mr. Joe Sample. With you goes the music.

Jason Miles:

I can't even describe how sad I am right now hearing about the passing our our dear friend Joe Sample. He was not only one of the truly greatest musicians I knew but a man who's wisdom I so appreciated. The advice he gave me during difficult times and his openness about about so many things got me through some very difficult times. His musical voice was so truly unique-You knew it was him when you heard him play-Such a definitive style. I will miss the conversations and the frankness of his opinions knowing that his word was gospel when he told you something. I met him when I did the Crusaders album Healing the Wounds. That week in NY that we spent together was the start of our long friendship that included many memorable studio and life moments-This picture summed up our relationship-It was always musical and a good time-My condolences to Nick,Yolanda and his family-The world just lost a very special person

Through the sadness of the day about our friend Joe Sample was the reality that Joe was the baddest of the bad. When you thought his acoustic playing was just amazing like on Old Face Old Places, Invitation, Rainbow Seeker, Carmel, You also realize that Joe knew how to play the Fender Rhodes like it was supposed to be played, a unique style of it's own-

Lynne Fiddmont:

I just read that Joe Sample of the legendary Jazz Crusaders has passed. I'm so sad because he was so special to me. My first professional gig was with the Jazz Crusaders, thanks to Jerry Williams who sent my demo cassette to Wilton Felder. I was just out of college and totally green, but Joe Sample was so kind to me, even years later when I saw him in Istanbul, I said, "Do you remember me"? He said "of course." I said, "I was so green back then" and he said, "Well you're not now" He was a very kind man.

Will Downing :

RIP Joe Sample I had the pleasure of working with Joe on my Christmas record. I said to him that "nobody sounds like you" he replied that Bob James had a similar sound. I ran into Bob James and mentioned Joe's name and he said "nobody sounds like Joe." What a Incredible talent and loss to the world. Here is a picture from that session. -Will Downing

Wayne Linsey:

Another one of my influences has passed away. RIP Joe Sample.... Thank you!!!!

Dave Koz:

We lost a true musical hero today, an icon--a trailblazer, a beautiful spirit and one of the absolute greats, Mr. Joe Sample. RIP, dear Joe--we love and miss you, and will never forget you. Thank you for your friendship and ALL the amazing music.

Les Payne II:

One of my musical heroes has passed on. Joe sample is one of my hugest musical influences. I never got to play with him but hung out with him several times..even on a one on one. Not only was he an incredible musician but he had so much wisdom about so many things. I have always said .. when Joe Sample plays a phrase... it always sounds fresh.. like it was the first time he ever had played it. Joe taught me to "sing" on the piano. RIP Joe We Love You

Tanisha Jackson:

Well, to wake up to the news that Joe Sample is gone is a thoroughly depressing way to start the day. I love how he describes the Jazz Crusaders' music as, among other things, "the music of my neighborhood." THIS is such an essential definition of what Black music is at its core. The sound of what was happening, day to day, in the neighborhood - magnified and shared with the world. Beautifully stated and always well-played.

Christian McBride:

I'm deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great Joe Sample. RIP, my friend. Thank you very much for the music and the big, big laughs.

Howard Hewett:

Rest in Peace Joe Sample...

Michael McDonald:

Joe Sample not only inspired literally millions of musicians in his lifetime with his incredible gift, but also American music itself.
Michael McDonald

Lizz Wright:

What a strange and full circle of events, to be saying goodbye to Joe Sample from the Blue Note club in Tokyo, where he brought me, 10 years ago!! A sweet rush of gratitude, grief and joy overcame me as I stood on the stage at sound check and received the news of his passing. I remembered the Japanese tour, the blues collection he bought for me, the recording sessions and more. Thank you, Tommy LiPuma, for connecting me with one of my first significant influences in this business. Goodbye, beautiful Joe.

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関連記事

Joe Sample, Iconic Jazz Pianist & Composer, Is Dead at 75
By David La Rosa, Editor | Sep 13, 2014, 06:23 AM

http://thejazzline.com/news/2014/09/joe-sample-dead-jazz-pianist/#ixzz3DCvzHxaa

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/entertainment/music_nightlife/Joe-Sample-iconic-jazz-pianist-dies-at-75.html

http://blog.chron.com/rantandrave/2014/09/houston-jazz-great-joe-sample-dies/

http://www.click2houston.com/news/houston-jazz-musician-joe-sample-passes-away/28047790

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-jazz-funk-pianist-joe-sample-jazz-crusaders-dies-20140913-story.html

http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6251443/jazz-pianist-joe-sample-dies-at-75

OBITUARY>Sample, Joe(Feb 1, 1939 – September 12, 2014, 75 year old)