With her Grammy Award-winning Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, 23-year-old Bronx native Samara Joy made a compelling case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable label. That legacy was cemented when she was named ‘Best New Artist’ at this year’s Grammys. The first Gen Z jazz superstar, Samara’s voice — rich and velvety — has already earned her legions of fans around the world. In this special holiday show, Joy performs with three generations of her family on dreamy, gospel-infused interpretations of Christmas gems O Holy Night, Warm in December and more.
Listen to “O Holy Night (feat. The McLendon Family)”
Listen to Samara Joy’s holiday single “Warm in December”
The close precision and frothy power of her voice stand out immediately … so does the depth of her comfort within the jazz tradition.
– The New York Times