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.
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- Interact with Nick Sample and key members close to Joe,
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- 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.
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He stands out as a musician at a very young age. His playing ability is exceptional. I don’t think he could comprehend where it would all lead.
A dedicated team is essential for any musician, providing crucial support that extends beyond logistical management. This cohesive unit ensures that performances run smoothly, allowing the artist to focus solely on their music.
This remarkable accomplishment highlights his growing influence in the music industry.
Musicians have a unique ability to convey deep emotions through their performances. This emotional connection captivates audiences and allows listeners to feel and experience the music personally.
He stands out as a musician at a very young age. His playing ability is exceptional. I don’t think he could comprehend where it would all lead.
A musician's setup is more than just a collection of instruments and equipment; it's an extension of their artistic identity. Each piece, from the guitar to the pedals, is carefully chosen to create a unique sound and feel, allowing the musician to fully express their creativity and connect with their audience.
Taj Farrant, born in Australia, grew up in a family with a deep appreciation for music and was exposed to various genres from a young age. An AC/DC concert he attended with his dad ignited his passion for music, and he knew he wanted to pursue it. Standing on his dad’s shoulders, he saw Angus Young on stage playing “Shook me all night long.” He whispered in his dad's ear and said, “I want to do that for the rest of my life.”
Commencing his guitar journey at the age of 7, Taj Farrant's talent was evident as he swiftly grasped and mastered complex techniques. His rapid progress and unwavering dedication have catapulted him into the spotlight, captivating music enthusiasts worldwide.
Can you imagine what it must be like to be invited to play with Carlos Santana at the age of 10?
Taj Farrant's talent reached new heights when he had the extraordinary opportunity to play alongside the legendary Carlos Santana. This collaboration highlighted his exceptional skills and musical maturity as he seamlessly blended his style with Santana's iconic sound. Their performance was a mesmerising fusion of youthful exuberance and seasoned artistry, leaving the audience in awe. Taj's ability to hold his own with such a revered musician showcased his prowess and cemented his place as a rising star in the guitar world. Taj states, “ Santana was probably the most special of the people I’ve met.”
Taj Farrant's 32-inch pedalboard is a testament to his dedication to achieving the perfect sound. It features a Boss Chromatic Tuner that stays on, a McPherson Wah Pedal, an Ibanez TS9DX Tube Screamer, a Friedman BE-OD Overdrive, an MXR Raw Dog Overdrive, a SoloDallas Storm Boost Pedal, a Friedman Buxom Boost, a BOSS Chorus, an MXR Phase 90, a BlueSky Strymon Reverb, and a Boss DD500 Digital Delay.
His impressive guitar collection includes a Kiesel Vader, a Kiesel Delos, a 2009 Gibson SG (the year he was born), a 1964 Gibson SG Standard, and a 2018 Gibson Les Paul Standard HP, each adding its own unique character to his music.
Farrant captivated audiences during his debut on The Ellen Show, showcasing his extraordinary guitar skills and charming personality.
At just 9 years old, he amazed viewers with his ability and technique, performing with the confidence of a seasoned musician. Ellen DeGeneres herself was visibly impressed, praising his talent and passion for music. Before his performance of the Guns ’N Roses song “Sweet Child Of Mine” on the show, Ellen stated, “He is an incredible guitar prodigy.” Taj's performance highlighted his prodigious abilities and introduced him to a broader audience, marking a significant milestone in his budding career. This appearance on national television solidified Taj's reputation as a young musical phenomenon and set the stage for his future success.
Despite his young age, he has an extraordinary ability to convey deep emotion through his music and performances. His guitar playing is technically impressive and profoundly expressive, capturing the nuances of joy, sorrow, and passion with remarkable maturity. Audiences are often moved by the raw feeling in his performances, which contradict his age and highlight his innate musicality.
Taj's emotional depth and prodigious talent set him apart as a musician, proving that true artistry knows no age. His ability to connect deeply with listeners through his music is a testament to his exceptional gift. Taj states that as a musician, “ Every note really makes a different emotion from our face. And sometimes I start crying when I’m playing because the music starts taking over me.”
At 14 years old, Taj Farrant's ascent to the top of the iTunes Blues single charts is nothing short of spectacular, as his tracks "Crossroads" and "Cruz" claim the number one spot. This double triumph showcases his exceptional skill as a guitarist and his ability to captivate audiences with his soulful performances.
Taj's interpretation of these blues classics resonates deeply with listeners, earning him widespread acclaim and solidifying his place as a force to be reckoned with in the music world. Taj's achievement is particularly impressive as a young artist, foreshadowing a future filled with even greater accomplishments.
Taj Farrant's success is a family affair, with his loved ones playing a crucial role on his touring team.
His mom, Cassandra, manages all of his bookings and contracts. His dad, Brandin, deals with the logistics surrounding shows, specifically the stage and lighting. There is a dedicated sound engineer, and his dad's sister, Melanie, is their tour manager. Farrant’s dad states, "It isn’t easy, but you’re only as good as the team around you."
Their unwavering support and close-knit bond not only provide a strong foundation for his burgeoning career but also ensure that he remains grounded and focused amidst the demands of the music industry.
In the early 1960s, Joe was touring with the Beach Boys as their keyboard player. At that time, Paris, France was at war with Algeria due to the oppression of Algerians, which was no longer being tolerated. As a result, intolerance towards Algerians in France grew. One day while Joe was enjoying his day off, walking around and taking in the beauty of Paris, he was shocked when fruit and vegetables were thrown at his face simply because of his olive creole skin, which looked Algerian to some. He was completely unaware of what was happening until he returned to his hotel and read the newspaper.
From then on, Joe had to enjoy the beauty of Paris from the view of his hotel room. In the end, he wished for peace, love, and light, reminding everyone that we are all from the same place called Earth.
Joe Sample was hired to play piano and write scores for the Percy Faith Orchestra. The tour was scheduled for Japan in the early 1970's. It would be Joe's second international tour generating a relationship and fanbase for many years to come. Japan became a favorite and popular destination for his music career.
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.”
1. Piece For CJ
2. Still Sweet
3. Groundwork
4. This Happy Madness
5. There Is No Greater Love
6. The Joy
7. I´ve Just Seen Her
8. Sometime Ago
9. Hazy Blue
Preview the all 11 tracks of this exciting album.
To purchase and download the full album for yourself, click the purchase button below.
1. Piece For CJ
2. Still Sweet
3. Groundwork
4. This Happy Madness
5. There Is No Greater Love
6. The Joy
7. I´ve Just Seen Her
8. Sometime Ago
9. Hazy Blue
Preview the all 11 tracks of this exciting album.
To purchase and download the full album for yourself, click the purchase button below.
1. Piece For CJ
2. Still Sweet
3. Groundwork
4. This Happy Madness
5. There Is No Greater Love
6. The Joy
7. I´ve Just Seen Her
8. Sometime Ago
9. Hazy Blue
Preview the all 11 tracks of this exciting album.
To purchase and download the full album for yourself, click the purchase button below.
1. Piece For CJ
2. Still Sweet
3. Groundwork
4. This Happy Madness
5. There Is No Greater Love
6. The Joy
7. I´ve Just Seen Her
8. Sometime Ago
9. Hazy Blue
Preview the all 11 tracks of this exciting album.
To purchase and download the full album for yourself, click the purchase button below.
1. Piece For CJ
2. Still Sweet
3. Groundwork
4. This Happy Madness
5. There Is No Greater Love
6. The Joy
7. I´ve Just Seen Her
8. Sometime Ago
9. Hazy Blue
Preview the all 11 tracks of this exciting album.
To purchase and download the full album for yourself, click the purchase button below.
1. Piece For CJ
2. Still Sweet
3. Groundwork
4. This Happy Madness
5. There Is No Greater Love
6. The Joy
7. I´ve Just Seen Her
8. Sometime Ago
9. Hazy Blue
Preview the all 11 tracks of this exciting album.
To purchase and download the full album for yourself, click the purchase button below.
1. Piece For CJ
2. Still Sweet
3. Groundwork
4. This Happy Madness
5. There Is No Greater Love
6. The Joy
7. I´ve Just Seen Her
8. Sometime Ago
9. Hazy Blue
Preview the all 11 tracks of this exciting album.
To purchase and download the full album for yourself, click the purchase button below.
1. Ah Yeah
2. Calilo
3. Find Someone Like You
4. Funky Rhodes
5. There Is No Greater Love
Funky Rhodes is a five song Ep compiled by Nick Sample featuring his father, the legendary Joe Sample. Nick as the producer of this project, consciously decided not to manipulate, cut, paste, or rearrange Joe Sample's live studio performance.
Grab your album by clicking the link below.
