Album Notes

"You've got to know what you want and take it." says David Sampson.

Not only does this statement serve as the chorus to the title track of Sampsonic's new album. "Take It", but it's a mantra and constant reminder of the attitude and spirit of that lies deep in the heart of all good rock music. The eleven song record is the debut CD from Sampsonic, the Brooklyn based rock outfit led by David Sampson (vocals, guitar) whose versatile career as guitarist, producer, and frontman spans over 10 years.

"Take It" was two years in the making. During its creation, a new brand of post-apocalyptic anthem rock with a strong sense of nostalgia was created. Produced by Sampson, a diverse group of musicians and was enlisted to lend their talents to the project. Vashon Johnson (bass), Chris Rob (keyboards, vocals), and Kenny "Stix" Grahowski (drums) formed the nucleus for the record. Johnson and Rob, were both longtime collaborators from Sampson's native Chicago. With the exception of one cover (Steve Miller's "Fly Like An Eagle"), the all original compositions soar with raw rocking energy, sophistication and classic song structure.

Much of David Sampson's inspiration and boundless on-stage energy stem from his dedication to an ancient eastern martial art called Chi-gong. The anthemic "Travelling Song", the fist-pumping "Love Is The Answer" and the optimism of "Waiting For The Sunshine" all embody a sense of determination and patience that are a direct reflection of Sampson's focus as a musician, leader and practitioner of the martial arts.

The reckless audacity of "Take It" and introspection of "Let It Go" reflect the yin and yang, the coexistence of peace and war. "Moving to NYC in October 2001 was the best decision I made as an adult. I have grown up here. You sink or swim. I had no intentions of being a solo act, but a few years ago I decided that my true desire
was not to be a sideman, although I do enjoy that too. Looking back it is obvious that I was going to end up doing the front man thing, it just took those years to get me ready for it."

Early in his career, David Sampson gathered experience touring with legendary jazz organist Charles Earland, and can be heard on Earland's releases "Ready and Able" and "Live in Japan". In Chicago Sampson moonlighted as a dance music producer, releasing several singles in collaboration with Anthony Nicholson in Japan and the U.K. for the now defunct New York based label Clairaudience. His versatility as a producer and musician has been much sought after. Among his credits are neo-soul singer Peven Everett, El Debarge, Lauryn Hill, Julie Dexter and CL Smooth. In 2002 Sampson was producer for soul singer Somi's release, Eternal Motive.