Jazz: Samara Joy @ Jazz at Lincoln Center

Somewhere, in a far-off galaxy, the gods and goddesses of jazz—musicians like Charlie Parker, Betty Carter, and Sarah Vaughn—are smiling. Content in the knowledge that their genius lives on, in a two-time, Grammy-Award-winning vocalist named Samara Joy who paid them homage at Jazz at Lincoln Center last night.

Born and raised in the Bronx, this 2021 graduate of SUNY Purchase is nothing short of astounding. To hear her voice scale octaves within seconds is to witness perfection; here, one makes a mental note to one’s self, is a musician. As you might expect, this vocal facility comes easy when you’re 23 years old. “24 in November,” Samara adds.

Her performance in the Rose Room was refreshingly free from shtick. No distracting spotlights, no pyrotechnic backdrops, no casts of thousands populating the stage. Just deliriously simple musical storytelling—“Three Little Words,”  “Round Midnight” and “You Stepped Out of a Dream” were three highlights. Along with a piece where not a lyric was sung—none were needed, her lovely opera-like vocalizing was plenty.

Perhaps all Samara Joy needs is some acting lessons and she is destined for a career on Broadway in Hollywood.  And should she go Hollywood, one hopes she will never lose the humility and quiet elegance that brought the audience to its feet, begging for an encore. She gave it to them, too! Lucky us.

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