SAMARA JOY

PORTRAIT

Verve Records

Samara Joy, vocals/co-producer/lyricist; Brian Lynch, co-producer; Connor Rohrer, piano; Felix Moseholm, bass; Evan Sherman, drums; Jason Charos, trumpet; David Mason & Kendric McCallister, saxophones; Donavan Austin, trombonist.

Opening with “You Stepped Out of a Dream,” Samara Joy’s voice floats over this Latin arrangement, adding a scat vocal that harmonizes with the horns like another instrument. It showcases her incredible range and vocal talent.  This time around, she brings something fresh to her project.  Her vocals seem to be radiating from a new and inventive place.

“I’m often the fifth voice, the fifth horn.  I just love the sound of this band.  Hopefully, when people hear it, they’ll realize that I’m a musician too,” Samara Joy asserts.

On a song called “Reincarnation of A Lovebird (Pursuit of a Dream)” she sings a’ cappella, as though she’s in her quiet creative studio, alone, and composing a song.  Midway through Joy’s solo performance, the band joins her to fatten the sound. Towards the end of the tune, Evan Sherman powerhouses his way into the arrangement, splashing his drum skills all over the moment.

This “Portrait” album gives us a Birdseye view into Joy’s talents as a lyricist and forward-thinking jazz vocalist. She has put lyrics to this Charles Mingus tune written as a tribute to Charlie Parker. Just the idea of writing lyrics to a complicated and challenging Mingus tune is worthy of much applause. This tune, “Reincarnation of A Lovebird” clearly has Samara Joy stepping into a space uniquely her own.

Joy’s voice also caresses the beautiful melody that film composer, Josef Myrow wrote back in 1941 with lyrics by Kim Gannon. Cassandra Wilson once covered this song on her “Blue Skies” album. Samara Joy brings fresh life to this seasoned song, doing it her way.

We get a taste of her lyric skills again on the “Peace of Mind/Dreams Come True” arrangement, that features saxophonist Kendric McCallister.  The words she writes reflect a moment of exceptional gratitude and optimism. They were inspired by her Grammy win for her breakout Verve debut album, “Linger Awhile.” That earned her the prestigious award for Best Jazz Vocal Album and crowned her Best New Artist.

Joy has also added her lyrics to the Barry Harris tune, “Now and Then (In Remembrance of …)” writing words that tribute her mentor, (Harris), and all those loved ones who have transitioned this world, passing on to the next.  The saxophone solo is beautifully played during this arrangement.  Her band is smoking hot!

The “Portrait” album reflects Samara Joy’s artistic development and growth. She successfully challenges herself both vocally and as a lyricist.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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