Joe Sample, Jazz pianist /composer and co-founder of  soul  Jazz group, The Crusaders is still recovering from a surgical procedure to remove fluid buildup in his lungs. this is believed to have been  brought on by Pneumonia. the 74-year-old musician is being advised  by doctors to take an extended convalescence before attempting to tour again.  Many well wishers are confused as to where they can send their love or get well cards.. as no locations or additional information have been offered.  A simple statement from the face book page offers very little beyond what’s already been reported.

           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILCwI84J9_U&list=PLYnLVYA7yCI7J-49ZpPaF0lI9_hqDkK4J

Posted on Joe Sample’s Facebook page  exactly as it appears.

Hello all, we (management) are posting on behalf of Joe:

Due to an unexpected illness, the “Joe Sample Trio, with Special Guest – Randy Crawford,” will be unable to perform on October 25th, at the Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA, as previously advertised.

Mr. Sample was recently hospitalized with what appears to be a severe case of pneumonia. A surgical procedure to remove a build up of fluids in his lung was performed, and Mr. Sample remains hospitalized. Doctors have advised Mr. Sample to undergo an extended period of convalescence before he will be able to resume his professional schedule.

Mr. Sample is unavailable for comment due to the aforementioned “procedure.” Ms. Crawford had this to say: “Our hearts go out to Joe and wish him a speedy and healthy recovery so that we can return to performing together ASAP. I was so looking forward to performing in Oakland at the Paramount. It has been way too long since I’ve visited our fans in the Bay Area, and I love the Paramount. Hopefully we can reschedule something as soon as Joe has recovered.”

Though better known for jazz as a pianist in the highly acclaimed group The Crusaders, Sample in more recent years  has toured as a trio or solo act with special guest vocalists. Among the singers that have toured with Joe are  Randy Crawford , Lalah Hathaway and rising star , Ledisi.  Ms . Crawford has long history with Sample & the original members group,  The Crusaders.. booking a giant urban hit in “Street Life”    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDlmvEq8oO8

In 1960, following the demise of a few short-lived Houston-based groups called The Swingsters and the Nite Hawks, pianist Joe Sample, drummer Stix Hooper, saxophonist Wilton Felder and trombonist Wayne Henderson relocated to Los Angeles, They became The Jazz Crusaders and signed a recording contract with now defunct label, Pacific Jazz for a very successful run that almost extended 10 years. follow this story also on twitter @blues2jazzguy