Samara Joy

Samara Joy

Samara Joy

Samara Joy is a singing star in the ascendancy: the young vocalist attracted attention in 2019 after winning the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Now, the 21-year-old is set to release her self-titled debut, which puts her spin on jazz standards from the Great American Songbook.

Produced by Grammy-nominated veteran Matt Pierson, she’s joined by jazz guitar virtuoso Pasquale Grasso and his trio (Ari Roland and Kenny Washington) for a release that furthers Joy’s reputation as one of America’s most promising young jazz vocalists.

Joy’s interpretations balance the breezy-fresh feel of a relative newcomer with a reverence for a tradition she is now undoubtably part of. “But Beautiful”, “Let’s Dream in the Moonlight” and “Jim” pay homage to Billie Holiday’s original versions, and she acknowledges the great Nat King Cole with versions of “It Only Happens Once” and “The Trouble with Me is You”. “Stardust” is another nod to Cole, showcasing a talent for storytelling well beyond her years. As she says, “There’s nothing like hearing someone who understands sing it to you.” Moods range from the happy-go-lucky simplicity of “Everything Happens to Me” to the longing of “Lover Man”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-X8iI_3odM

Winning the Vaughan award was transformational for Joy. “I was suddenly on the jazz radar. It’s still bizarre to think of how fast things have progressed.” Since then, Joy has dug deep to discover her jazz roots, without losing sight of the innate simplicity that makes her sound shine. Her first album announces the arrival of a young artist destined for greatness.

“Outstanding vocalist… impeccable time, timbral richness and emotional power… Consistently beguiling, this is an album that stays with you long after the last notes fade away.”
★★★★ Jazzwise
 
“Every once in a while, you encounter a voice that just hypnotizes you and stops you in your tracks… It’s just astounding.”
Jazziz Magazine

Label: Whirlwind Recordings
UPC: 0630808829147 (CD)
Catalogue Number: WR4776 (CD)
Release Date: 9 July 2021