Samara Joy Releases New Single Ahead of Forthcoming Album

Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy has announced a new studio album Portrait, set for release on October 11th via Verve Records. Emerging from the crucible of an unrelenting global touring schedule, the recording finds Joy channeling her success into the pursuit of musical exploration. Portrait, the follow up to her 2022 breakout album Linger Awhile, offers a snapshot of the 24-year-old Bronx native’s growth not only as a once-in-a-generation vocalist but also as songwriter, arranger and band leader. 

Co-produced by Joy and veteran trumpeter/bandleader and multi-Grammy winner Brian Lynch, the 8-song collection showcases a synergistic approach to arranging and the intimate, soulful chemistry she’s developed with her touring band, an egalitarian octet featuring trumpeter Jason Charos, trombonist Donavan Austin, saxophonists David Mason and Kendric McCallister, pianist Connor Rohrer, bassist Felix Moseholm and drummer Evan Sherman. Joy’s role in the ensemble is multifaceted, balancing her prominence as a vocalist with her contributions as a musical collaborator. “I’m often the fifth voice, the fifth horn,” she explains. “I hope listeners will see that I’m a musician too.”

The album was tracked in streamlined sessions — just two or three takes of each tune — at one of jazz’s most hallowed sites, Van Gelder Studio. Portrait highlights Joy’s prowess as a lyricist, with new arrangements that meld her thoughtful lyrics with music by Charles Mingus, Sun Ra and more. The album also features vibrant interpretations of standards, including new arrangements “You Stepped Out of a Dream” (out now) and “Autumn Nocturne.” The tracklist ultimately proves that the vocal-jazz repertoire can still break new ground while nodding to jazz history.

Through Portrait, Joy not only pays homage to her jazz idols but also embraces her rich musical heritage and diverse influences. The album stands as a testament to her growth and the profound connection within her band—a group she hopes will continue to evolve together for years to come. Pre-order / pre-save Portrait (out October 11) HERE. 

“A well of inspiration that never runs dry because of the different streams that flow in, constantly pouring into the main source. That’s what comes to mind when I think of this project and the musicians who created it with me,” says Joy of the project. “Eight musicians, eight fresh perspectives and musical backgrounds - all joined together in a context designed for growth and exploration. Designed to put our pens and minds to work creating music inspired by many but still uniquely our own. Because of the incredible depth of musicianship and creativity infused into the sound of this band, I’m honored to be able to present Portrait, shaped after a year of development and revision on the road.”

Joy will tour across the US for the remainder of 2024, including Fall headline dates in California, Arizona, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Colorado, New Jersey, New York and more, followed by Joy’s “A Joyful Holiday” Tour in December. Please find all announced tour dates below and via HERE.  

Samara Joy 2024 Tour Dates

August 30 – Washington, DC – DC Jazz Fest

August 31 – Charleston, SC – Low Country Jazz Festival 

September 14  – St. Paul, MN – Ordway

September 15 – St. Louis, MO – Music At The Intersection

September 19 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center

September 20 – Costa Mesa, CA – Segerstrom Center, La

September 22 – Escodido, CA – California Center For The Arts

September 27 – Monterey, CA – Monterey Jazz Festival 

October 13 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theater

October 15 – Clemson, SC – Clemson University Brooks Center

October 17 – Birmingham, AL – Alys Stephens Center

October 18 – Athens, GA – U of GA Hodgson Concert Hall

October 20 – Tallahassee, FL – Lee Hall

October 22 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre

October 23 – Ft Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center

October 27 – Baton Rouge, LA – River Center Perf Arts Theater

October 30 –Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre

October 31 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Theatre 

November 7 – Red Bank, NJ – NJ Count Basie Center

November 9 – Purchase, NY – Purchase College 

December 3 – Penn State, PA – University Park*

December 4 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Performing Arts Center*

December 6 – Richmond, VA – Altria*

December 8 – Louisville, KY – Brown Theatre*

December 10 – Baltimore, MD – Murphy Fine Arts Center*

December 11 – Bowie, MD – Bowie State University*

December 14 – Storrs, CT – Jorgensen Center*

December 16 – Albany, NY – The Egg*

December 17 – Buffalo, NY – U Of Buffalo Center For The Arts*

December 19 – Detroit, MI – Fisher Theatre*

December 20 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theater*

December 22 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre*

December 23  – Philadelphia, PA – Verizon Hall*

*”A Joyful Holiday” Tour Dates

Portrait Tracklist

01.  You Stepped Out Of A Dream [4:35]

02.  Reincarnation Of A Lovebird [6:28]

03.  Autumn Nocturne [3:47]

04.  Peace of Mind / Dreams Come True [7:06]

05.  A Fool In Love (Is Called A Clown) [4:48]

06.  No More Blues [5:46]

07.  Now And Then (In Remembrance Of…) [6:28]

08.  Day By Day [4:58]

About Samara Joy

A native of the Bronx, Samara Joy became entranced by classic R&B as a child and cut her teeth as a singer in her church’s gospel choir. And while her family history is deeply musical — her grandparents helmed the Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes, and her father, the musician and songwriter Antonio McLendon, has produced, composed and arranged his own astounding original work — she didn’t delve into the jazz tradition until college at SUNY Purchase. During her studies there she won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, which introduced her to the larger jazz scene as a rising star to watch. She was heard, by audiences and critics alike, as a masterful interpreter of jazz standards and a rightful heiress of the sound, technique and charisma that defined her jazz heroines — including Vaughan, Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln and Carmen McRae. 

Joy released her self-titled debut on the Whirlwind label in 2021, followed a year later by Linger Awhile, her breakout Verve debut, of which DownBeat said, “With this beautiful recording, a silky-voiced star is born.” The album earned her a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album in addition to a headline-making win for Best New Artist. A deluxe edition of the album was released, as well as the EP A Joyful Holiday. Her new Verve album, Portrait, which Joy co-produced with the veteran trumpeter/bandleader and multi-Grammy winner Brian Lynch, showcases the intimate, soulful chemistry she’s developed with her touring band. Portrait also spotlights her burgeoning gifts as a lyricist, in ingenious arrangements that meld her thoughtful words with music by Charles Mingus, Sun Ra and her late mentor Barry Harris. 

Photo credit: AB + DM

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