»My goodness, she sang beautifully,« we said to each other, as we left DR Koncerthuset after an hour and a half in the company of American singer Samara Joy and a tightly-knit seven-piece band. One person even noted that she was a veritable phenomenon who didn’t even take a sip of water during her vocal artistry. And it was clear that those who didn’t loudly express their admiration were definitely thinking it.
She was indeed incredible, 25-year-old Samara Joy from The Bronx in New York City. With three albums under her belt and no fewer than four Grammys, as well as several other prestigious awards on her mantelpiece, she is already firmly placed in a vocal pantheon alongside late legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Carmen McRae, as well as contemporary peers like Dianne Reeves and Cecile McLorin Salvant. From the first moment, there was no doubt that she possesses a rare voice, superb technique, and a profound understanding of melody and improvisation.
