The Pecan Tree is Joe Sample’s impressive follow-up to his 1999 hit recording The Song Lives On (PRA/GRP). Unlike that session, largely a duet album with vocalist Lalah Hathaway, this new disc is an eclectic mix of styles and sounds that draws on all aspects of Sample’s varied talents as both composer and pianist. The Pecan Tree has the added distinction of becoming the first recording of Joe’s illustrious career as a leader to appear on the Verve label.