Samara Joy Announces New Album ‘Portrait,’ A Snapshot Of The Award-Winning Jazz Vocalist’s Evolution

2023 Best New Artist Grammy winner Samara Joy is set to release her new studio album, Portrait, on October 11 via Verve Records. The jazz vocalist previewed the eight-track follow-up to her breakthrough 2022 LP, Linger Awhile, with the upcoming record’s lead single, “You Stepped Out Of A Dream.”

After a grueling global tour, Joy has channeled her experiences and success into this latest project, marking a new chapter in her artistic journey. Portrait captures the 24-year-old Bronx native’s growth, not just as a vocalist of rare talent, but also as a songwriter, arranger and bandleader.

The album, co-produced by Joy and veteran trumpeter and multi-Grammy winner Brian Lynch, features Joy’s touring band. The “egalitarian octet” consists of trumpeter Jason Charos, trombonist Donavan Austin, saxophonists David Mason and Kendric McCallister, pianist Connor Rohrer, bassist Felix Moseholm and drummer Evan Sherman. Joy seamlessly integrates her vocal prowess into the ensemble, positioning herself as both a leading voice and a musical collaborator. “I’m often the fifth voice, the fifth horn,” she said in a press release. “I hope listeners will see that I’m a musician too.”

Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio, the album was captured in streamlined sessions, with most tracks requiring only two or three takes. Portrait highlights Joy’s lyrical abilities, blending her thoughtful words with compositions by jazz greats like Charles Mingus and Sun Ra. The album also includes fresh spins on standards such as “You Stepped Out of a Dream” and “Autumn Nocturne,” providing a contemporary take on the vocal-jazz repertoire while honoring its rich history.

Reflecting on the album, Joy stated, “This project is like a well of inspiration, fed by different streams of musical influence. Eight musicians, each bringing their unique perspectives and backgrounds, joined together in a setting designed for growth and exploration. We worked hard to create something that’s inspired by many but remains uniquely our own. I’m honored to present Portrait, shaped by a year of development and revision on the road.”

With music written by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Gus Kahn, “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” has been recorded by an impressive array of iconic artists since the song was published in 1940. Samara Joy joins a list that includes Nat King Cole, Dave Brubeck, The Four Freshman, Art Garfunkel, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Julie London, Johnny Mathis and many others with her new interpretation.

Watch Samara Joy’s “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” video featuring in-studio footage below:

Samara Joy will continue to tour across the U.S. throughout the rest of 2024. Joy will embark on her “A Joyful Holiday” Tour in December. All dates can be found by scrolling below.

Portrait Tracklist

1. You Stepped Out Of A Dream [4:35]
2. Reincarnation Of A Lovebird [6:28]
3. Autumn Nocturne [3:47]
4. Peace of Mind / Dreams Come True [7:06]
5. A Fool In Love (Is Called A Clown) [4:48]
6. No More Blues [5:46]
7. Now And Then (In Remembrance Of…) [6:28]
8. Day By Day [4:58]