Beautiful music will always have beautiful stories in store for us. And Samara Joy’s story is no exception to this rule. Born in 1999, she grew up in the Bronx neighborhood surrounded by a family with a strong musical background. Her grandparents were founders of the Savettes, a leading gospel group, and her father was the bassist for the popular pastor-singer, Andraé Crouch.
While regularly posting videos on social networks, she will attract the interest of the public and professionals by winning, among others, the award for best singer at the Essentially Ellington Festival, a competition for high school students organized by Jazz at Lincoln Center. In 2021, Samara will record her first album on the label, Whirlwind Recordings, of American bassist Michael Janisch. This first eponymous album, produced by Matt Pierson with dream collaborations, Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, Pat Metheny, Bob James, Kirk Whalum, Jane Monheit, will be the first solid stone of the Joy building.
A year later, she signed with the mythical Verve Records for her second album Linger Awhile. With Matt Pierson at the helm, they will win two Grammys in 2023: “Best Vocal Jazz Album” and “Best New Artist”.
It’s always rare to see a talented artist emerge, and on July 25, the stars are sure to align and sparkle. A star is born!
Photo credit © Meredith Truax
Samara Joy : singing
Luther Allison : piano
Mikey Migliore : double bass
Evan Sherman : drums
