Samara Joy, a Bronx native with a musical family background, transitioned from R&B and gospel roots to jazz during her college years at SUNY Purchase. After winning the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, she released her self-titled debut in 2021 and followed up with the breakout album Linger Awhile in 2022 on Verve. Her latest release, Portrait, produced by Brian Lynch, showcases her growth as a lyricist and features unique arrangements blending her words with music by jazz icons Mingus and Sun Ra.
Portraying the next phase in her artistic evolution, Portrait highlights Samara Joy's talent in streamlined recording sessions at Van Gelder Studio, capturing the essence of jazz tradition while exploring new, innovative directions. Collaborating with Lynch, the album embodies Joy's bold and distinctive voice within the jazz landscape, solidifying her position as a rising star in the genre.
