New Releases category interest

3x GRAMMY-winning vocalist Samara Joy has released her new studio album Portrait today via Verve Records. Emerging after a busy year of touring all over the world, the album finds the 24-year-old Bronx native channeling her success into the pursuit of musical exploration. Portrait, the follow up to her 2022 breakout album Linger Awhile, offers a snapshot of Joy’s growth not only as a once-in-a-generation vocalist but also as songwriter, arranger and band leader. VIBE Magazine called the collection “eight tracks guaranteed to not only impress, but change the way we listen to modern vocal jazz,” while Forbes named it “a monumental step forward as an artist for Joy, who co-produced the record, as well as was responsible in some way for arrangements, writing, even the artwork, on the genius work."

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 Joy has 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, Barry Harris 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.

“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.”

Listen to Portrait (out now) HERE.

Watch Samara Joy’s performance of release day focus track “No More Blues” on NBC’s The Today Show HERE.

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 her “A Joyful Holiday” Tour in December. Please find all announced tour dates below and via https://www.samarajoy.com/.

Recent Praise for Portrait:

“Eight tracks guaranteed to not only impress, but change the way we listen to modern vocal jazz.”

- VIBE Magazine

“[On Portrait] the singer’s dazzlingly rich and expressive delivery remains the star attraction.”

- The New York Times, Fall Arts Preview

"Not only is Portrait a stunningly enjoyable and musically savvy work, it is also a monumental step forward as an artist for Joy, who co-produced the record, as well as was responsible in some way for arrangements, writing, even the artwork, on the genius work."

- Forbes

“Joy excels at rebooting jazz standards with tight new arrangements and dreamy, conversational lyrics.”

- T Magazine

“The Grammy-winning vocalist expands her horizons on new album Portrait... the Bronx native steps forward with her own thoughts, her own emotions, and to that end, three Portrait songs feature her words.”

- SPIN Magazine

 “Portrait sees the rising jazz star stepping up into the role of co-producer… as well as expanding her singing and songwriting skills into arrangements and leading her touring band.”

- GRAMMY.com

Samara Joy 2024 Tour Dates
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 13 – New York, NY – United Palace*
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]