Where artists and fans come together.
Joes Lounge is a tight knit community of super fans who are able to share personal stories, videos and pictures celebrating the legacy of Joe.
Why join?
- Interact with Nick Sample and key members close to Joe,
- Be the first to know about new content releases and tracks,
- Gain access to exclusive audio content never released to the public,
- Share in a community of like minded Jazz, Funk and blues fans,
- Participate in challenges and events exclusive to members of Joes Lounge.
We have some great Joe Sample merchandise coming soon, signup to our newsletter or social channels to be the first to know.
Robert Glasper is no stranger to working with rappers, often providing production advice. Not many people know how many artists he has worked with and who he has collaborated with. Through his high school friend Terrace Martin, he was contacted to work on Kendrick Lamar's album, To Pimp a Butterfly.
This happened while he was recording his own album in December 2014, which diverged from traditional jazz. Robert arrived at the recording session expecting to play only one song, "For Free?". At the session, he thought he would be laying down heavy hip-hop grooves but instead found himself playing straight-ahead jazz. Before he knew it, he was credited with nine songs in one studio sitting. Robert states, “I didn’t get up from the piano bench. I literally sat there, we’d play a joint once, and I’d listen to it and play what I hear, next joint. And that happened for eight songs.”
His unique style and expertise significantly elevated the album's creative direction, blending jazz with hip-hop and adding depth to what would become a groundbreaking masterpiece. Alex Kurland, Director of Programming at Blue Note, said, “ He enables everyone around him to sound great and to feel great.” Glasper’s contributions showcased his versatility and influence in the music industry, leaving a lasting impact on the sound and success of To Pimp a Butterfly.
A collaboration between Grasper and his high school friend, Terrace Martin. This song is a great example of how Glasper uses his music as a sounding board to address social and political issues. The song “Freeze Tag” is a masterpiece that questions the issues of racial injustice and systemic oppression.
The track features the vocals of Cordae, Pheolix, and Snoop Dogg. It combines smooth jazz and R&B elements to create a hauntingly beautiful sonic landscape. The lyrics of "Freeze Tag" serve as poignant commentary on the Black experience in America, using the metaphor of the childhood game to highlight the feeling of being trapped and powerless in the face of societal challenges.
As the song unfolds, listeners are taken on a journey through themes of resilience, struggle, and hope. "Freeze Tag" is more than just a song—it's a powerful statement that encourages reflection and dialogue on the pressing issues of our time. What people don’t realise is that this song could very possibly be a direct response and result of the George Floyd incident, which occurred on 25 May 2020 which sparked a political uprising internationally.
Having won six Grammys, we understand how Robert has impacted contemporary music. If we listen to each body of work for which he has won an award, we get a true sense of someone who is versatile, creative, and fearless in music.
His Grammy Awards include:
- Best R&B Album for "Black Radio" (2013)
- Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Jesus Children" featuring Lalah Hathaway and Malcolm-Jamal Warner (2015)
- Best R&B Album for "Black Radio II" (2015)
- Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for "Miles Ahead" (2017)
- Best R&B Song for "Better Than I Imagined" (2021)
- Best R&B Album for "Black Radio III" (2023)
Robert Glasper's 5th album, "Black Radio”, is a groundbreaking work that seamlessly blends jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul. Released in 2012, the album collaborates with prominent artists like Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, and Yasiin Bey, each bringing their unique style to the project. "Black Radio" pushes musical boundaries and challenges genre conventions, creating a rich, eclectic soundscape. Robert states, “ We’re jazz musicians, but at the same time, we don’t sound like it was in 1950. We respect it, and we take that heritage and keep on moving and changing, so our music needs to do the same thing.”
The album received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative approach and lyrical depth, highlighting themes of love, identity, and social issues.Its success was further cemented when it won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, solidifying Glasper's reputation as a visionary artist. "Black Radio" stands as a significant milestone in contemporary music, influencing an entire new generation of musicians.
Robert scored Don Cheadle's "Miles Ahead," a biopic about Miles Davis, capturing the essence of Davis's music with a contemporary twist. Robert Explains that “He wanted the music to feel a little like it was in the future because that was what Miles was all about. He was always thinking futuristic and what was hot in the moment, never dwelling in the history of the music.” This shows how Glasper aims to constantly push the boundaries of music and try to create art that is a reflection of society currently.
Robert Glasper's score for "The Photograph" showcases his exceptional ability to infuse romance and emotion into film through music. His blend of soulful jazz and contemporary R&B creates a lush, atmospheric soundscape that perfectly complements the film's narrative. Glasper's compositions enhance the emotional depth and intimacy of the story, making his music an integral part of the film's evocative experience. His work on "The Photograph" demonstrates his talent for crafting scores that resonate deeply with audiences.
Glasper also worked on the documentary "Mr. Soul!", which highlighted his versatility in creating emotive soundscapes that enhance the narrative. His innovative approach to film composition continues to set him apart in the industry, bridging traditional and modern musical elements.
Explore the essential Robert Glasper, with this curated Spotify playlist that spans the impressive breadth of Robert's musical catalog. This collection features a dynamic range of his work, each song showcasing his innovative approach to music and mastery of the piano. Perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike, this playlist is a vibrant celebration of Glasper's enduring influence in the music world.
Robert Glasper's "Everything's Beautiful" reinvents the music of Miles Davis, merging the timeless elegance of jazz with contemporary elements. No one could comprehend what this album would end up sounding like. Robert had full access to Davis’ original recordings at Colombia Records, which included Miles’s chatter in-between takes.
The album features collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, and John Scofield, each adding a unique twist to Davis' iconic compositions. Glasper's innovative approach breathes new life into classic tracks, seamlessly blending the aura of Miles with modern beats. Robert says, “ This album was not for jazz people. This album is for people who probably don’t listen to jazz. I wanted to introduce his compositions and his influence on other artists.”
The result is a dynamic and fresh tribute that appeals to jazz aficionados and new listeners. It showcases Glasper's ability to honor tradition while pushing musical boundaries.
This group features Glasper on keys, infusing his signature jazz and R&B styles. Terrace Martin enhances the sound with his expertise in synthesisers and vocoder, while Christian Scott, Tunde Adjuah's trumpet, adds a vibrant, dynamic layer. Derrick Hodge anchors the group with his rich bass lines. Taylor McFerrin contributes both synth textures and innovative beatboxing. Newcomer Justin Tyson rounds out the ensemble with his fresh, energetic drumming.
The idea came to Robert via Nina Simone while he was coproducing an album accompanying the film “What Happened, Miss Simone ?” Nina was facing backlash for her politics, and she stated that “an artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.” Glasper added: “When you reflect on what’s going on in your time and respond to that, you can’t not be relevant. So ‘R’ plus ‘R’ equals ‘NOW’.”
This album is another testament to Roberts' ability to bring people together to create music that reflects the current state of the times, seamlessly blending genres and styles. Not many people know that the band's release and very first live performance was in 2018 at the 19th Annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Robert Glasper is no stranger to working with rappers, often providing production advice. Not many people know how many artists he has worked with and who he has collaborated with. Through his high school friend Terrace Martin, he was contacted to work on Kendrick Lamar's album, To Pimp a Butterfly.
This happened while he was recording his own album in December 2014, which diverged from traditional jazz. Robert arrived at the recording session expecting to play only one song, "For Free?". At the session, he thought he would be laying down heavy hip-hop grooves but instead found himself playing straight-ahead jazz. Before he knew it, he was credited with nine songs in one studio sitting. Robert states, “I didn’t get up from the piano bench. I literally sat there, we’d play a joint once, and I’d listen to it and play what I hear, next joint. And that happened for eight songs.”
His unique style and expertise significantly elevated the album's creative direction, blending jazz with hip-hop and adding depth to what would become a groundbreaking masterpiece. Alex Kurland, Director of Programming at Blue Note, said, “ He enables everyone around him to sound great and to feel great.” Glasper’s contributions showcased his versatility and influence in the music industry, leaving a lasting impact on the sound and success of To Pimp a Butterfly.
Robert Glasper's 5th album, "Black Radio”, is a groundbreaking work that seamlessly blends jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul. Released in 2012, the album collaborates with prominent artists like Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, and Yasiin Bey, each bringing their unique style to the project. "Black Radio" pushes musical boundaries and challenges genre conventions, creating a rich, eclectic soundscape. Robert states, “ We’re jazz musicians, but at the same time, we don’t sound like it was in 1950. We respect it, and we take that heritage and keep on moving and changing, so our music needs to do the same thing.”
The album received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative approach and lyrical depth, highlighting themes of love, identity, and social issues.
Its success was further cemented when it won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, solidifying Glasper's reputation as a visionary artist. "Black Radio" stands as a significant milestone in contemporary music, influencing an entire new generation of musicians.
This group features Glasper on keys, infusing his signature jazz and R&B styles. Terrace Martin enhances the sound with his expertise in synthesisers and vocoder, while Christian Scott, Tunde Adjuah's trumpet, adds a vibrant, dynamic layer. Derrick Hodge anchors the group with his rich bass lines. Taylor McFerrin contributes both synth textures and innovative beatboxing. Newcomer Justin Tyson rounds out the ensemble with his fresh, energetic drumming.
The idea came to Robert via Nina Simone while he was coproducing an album accompanying the film “What Happened, Miss Simone ?” Nina was facing backlash for her politics, and she stated that “an artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.” Glasper added: “When you reflect on what’s going on in your time and respond to that, you can’t not be relevant. So ‘R’ plus ‘R’ equals ‘NOW’.”
This album is another testament to Roberts' ability to bring people together to create music that reflects the current state of the times, seamlessly blending genres and styles. Not many people know that the band's release and very first live performance was in 2018 at the 19th Annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Robert scored Don Cheadle's "Miles Ahead," a biopic about Miles Davis, capturing the essence of Davis's music with a contemporary twist. Robert Explains that “He wanted the music to feel a little like it was in the future because that was what Miles was all about. He was always thinking futuristic and what was hot in the moment, never dwelling in the history of the music.” This shows how Glasper aims to constantly push the boundaries of music and try to create art that is a reflection of society currently.
Robert Glasper's score for "The Photograph" showcases his exceptional ability to infuse romance and emotion into film through music. His blend of soulful jazz and contemporary R&B creates a lush, atmospheric soundscape that perfectly complements the film's narrative. Glasper's compositions enhance the emotional depth and intimacy of the story, making his music an integral part of the film's evocative experience. His work on "The Photograph" demonstrates his talent for crafting scores that resonate deeply with audiences.
Glasper also worked on the documentary "Mr. Soul!", which highlighted his versatility in creating emotive soundscapes that enhance the narrative. His innovative approach to film composition continues to set him apart in the industry, bridging traditional and modern musical elements.
Having won six Grammys, we understand how Robert has impacted contemporary music. If we listen to each body of work for which he has won an award, we get a true sense of someone who is versatile, creative, and fearless in music.
His Grammy Awards include:
- Best R&B Album for "Black Radio" (2013)
- Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Jesus Children" featuring Lalah Hathaway and Malcolm-Jamal Warner (2015)
- Best R&B Album for "Black Radio II" (2015)
- Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for "Miles Ahead" (2017)
- Best R&B Song for "Better Than I Imagined" (2021)
- Best R&B Album for "Black Radio III" (2023)
Thundercat's album It Is What It Is earned him a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album in 2021, marking a significant milestone in his career. This win was particularly special for Thundercat, not only because it was his first Grammy as a lead artist, but also due to the deeply personal and reflective nature of the album. The project delves into themes of grief and mortality, inspired by the loss of his close friend Mac Miller, adding an emotional depth that resonated with both fans and critics.
cWinning the Grammy for It Is What It Is was a full-circle moment for Thundercat, showcasing his growth from a sought-after session musician to a celebrated solo artist. The album's win not only highlighted his exceptional talent and versatility but also underscored his ability to convey profound emotional narratives through his music, making this Grammy particularly meaningful
Robert Glasper's "Everything's Beautiful" reinvents the music of Miles Davis, merging the timeless elegance of jazz with contemporary elements. No one could comprehend what this album would end up sounding like. Robert had full access to Davis’ original recordings at Colombia Records, which included Miles’s chatter in-between takes.
The album features collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, and John Scofield, each adding a unique twist to Davis' iconic compositions. Glasper's innovative approach breathes new life into classic tracks, seamlessly blending the aura of Miles with modern beats. Robert says, “ This album was not for jazz people. This album is for people who probably don’t listen to jazz. I wanted to introduce his compositions and his influence on other artists.”
The result is a dynamic and fresh tribute that appeals to jazz aficionados and new listeners. It showcases Glasper's ability to honor tradition while pushing musical boundaries.
A collaboration between Grasper and his high school friend, Terrace Martin. This song is a great example of how Glasper uses his music as a sounding board to address social and political issues. The song “Freeze Tag” is a masterpiece that questions the issues of racial injustice and systemic oppression.
The track features the vocals of Cordae, Pheolix, and Snoop Dogg. It combines smooth jazz and R&B elements to create a hauntingly beautiful sonic landscape. The lyrics of "Freeze Tag" serve as poignant commentary on the Black experience in America, using the metaphor of the childhood game to highlight the feeling of being trapped and powerless in the face of societal challenges.
As the song unfolds, listeners are taken on a journey through themes of resilience, struggle, and hope. "Freeze Tag" is more than just a song—it's a powerful statement that encourages reflection and dialogue on the pressing issues of our time. What people don’t realise is that this song could very possibly be a direct response and result of the George Floyd incident, which occurred on 25 May 2020 which sparked a political uprising internationally.
Thundercat's 2020 album It Is What It Is received widespread acclaim for its intricate blend of jazz, funk, and R&B, showcasing his musical dexterity and emotional depth. The album features notable collaborations with artists like Steve Lacy, Ty Dolla $ign, and Childish Gambino, and includes standout tracks such as "Dragonball Durag," "Black Qualls," and "Fair Chance."
It Is What It Is was critically successful, making it to numerous year-end lists, including Consequence of Sound's Top 50 Albums of 2020 (ranked 14th) and Exclaim!'s 50 Best Albums of 2020 (ranked 12th). The album also saw commercial success, with tracks like "Dragonball Durag" becoming viral hits and significantly boosting Thundercat's presence in the music industry. The album's blend of complex musical arrangements and heartfelt lyrics has solidified Thundercat's reputation as a leading figure in modern jazz and funk music
Best served with family and friends.
If anchovies, shrimp, sausage and bacon sound like pasta heaven to you then this is a must try recipe. We know you will have as much fun making it as you do tasting it and that this meal brings you as much joy as it brought to Joe's home and family.
If you ever pay attention to Joe’s piano performance you would notice his shoulders leaning into the notes and the chords, creating a passion both delicate and driving. As a piano player using both hands, the only way to conduct a band is through their shoulders, something he was a master of.
Joes love for the original Fender Rhodes:
Joe learned of Fender Rhodes selling the brand to CBS, at the same time he also heard Stevie Wonder was down at the factory and had just bought 8 Fender Rhodes. Concerned there may be changes to the keyboard due to new ownership, Joe rush to the factory himself and proceeded to buy three units: one for touring, one for the studio, and one for parts.
Lyrics:
“I still hang around neither lost nor found, hear the lonely sound of music in the night. Nights are always bright, that's all that's left for me, yeah I play the street life because there's no place I can go. Street life, it's the only way I know, street life”
The inspiration for this song came from the beginner’s ski slope at Mammoth Mountain in California. Joe Sample observed people falling and running into each other, causing absolute chaos. He likened it to a “boulevard of madness” and came up with the idea for “Street Life.”
Sample teamed up with lyricist Will Jennings, who wrote the lyrics based on Hollywood Boulevard.
Other notable songs written by Joe Sample and Will Jennings and performed by Randy Crawford include “One Day I’ll Fly Away,” “Last Night at Danceland,” and “When Your Life Was Low.”
.webp)
.webp)
