Today Samara Joy playfully reinvents Ronnell Bright’s swinging 1960 tune ‘Sweet Pumpkin.’ Despite a “ferocious touring regimen” (Andscape) and a musical wisdom beyond her years, the new single offers a reminder that the bubbly young vocalist is only 22 years old and loves to have fun. Samara’s “disarming [and] unhurried” (NPR Fresh Air) vocal delivery is supported by the vintage guitar sounds of Pasquale Grasso and the bouncy rhythm tandem of bassist David Wong and drum master Kenny Washington. While paying homage to those who came before her, Samara is introducing a new audience to a slew of classic standards several times older than she is through her timeless, irresistible sound. Listen to “Sweet Pumpkin” here
“Sweet Pumpkin” arrives three weeks ahead of Samara’s forthcoming Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, due out September 16, 2022. The 10-song collection finds Samara updating beloved songs with a modern twist, sometimes singing original lyrics using the melodies of famous instrumental solos, a style known as vocalese. Recorded at Sear Sound in New York City and produced by Matt Pierson, Linger Awhile marks the next chapter for the once-in-a-generation vocalist with its release on the esteemed Verve Records. She’s already garnered critical acclaim for a voice “as rich as custard” (The New York Times) and “instincts that can’t be taught” (Consequence), just as she has earned millions of likes on TikTok and made avowed fans of Regina King, LaKeith Stanfield, and many others.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Samara comes from a strong musical heritage and has relished the process of digging through music history from an early age. She fell in love with jazz while sitting in with the Fordham High School for the Arts jazz band, and eventually enrolled in SUNY Purchase’s jazz studies program. She took home the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition prize while in school before graduating as the Ella Fitzgerald Scholar in 2021.
Pre-order / pre-save Linger Awhile here: https://SamaraJoy.lnk.to/LingerAwhile