Samara Joy, featuring the Pasquale Grasso Trio, Recorded July 25, 2021

JULY 25: Samara Joy featuring the Pasquale Grasso Trio
Samara Joy - voice, Pasquale Grasso - guitar, Ari Roland - bass, Keith Balla - drums
Samara Joy is one of the more imposing young singers working in jazz. She’s from a gospel family; her first exposure to jazz was at Fordham High School for the Arts, and a short time later she became the Ella Fitzgerald Scholar and in 2019 she won the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition. Samara will be joined by a trio led 30 year old Pasquale Grasso, a budding star from the world of solo guitar. “It’s great working with him because I know he brings his best, which pushes me to bring my A-game - nothing less.” Don’t miss these two rising stars perform at Duck Creek.
(Sound Engineer & Post Production: Rafael Alvarez, Video Director - Jerome Sabbagh)
Exhibition on display: Charles Manion: Cerulean Blue and the Devil, July 24 - August 15, 2021

[@cordeliasims4287]

Samara Joy is God’s answer to those wonderful jazz vocalist of yesterday… Ella, Sarah, etc! She will be with us along, long time! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jacquelineperkins9861]

This is a BEAUTIFUL comment thank you for those graceful words

[@andrehart8681]

Agree! She is the embodiment of those Jazz icons, gifted, talented, and chosen to carry that iconic and unique legacy into the 21st century.

[@breukelynbee77]

Yessss!!!

[@AlexanderTheGreat513]

Absolutely! I feel that I am suddenly 50 years younger. Her voice is beautiful and like butter and takes me back to all of those great singers. Christopher Williams

[@maryjackson5620]

She have a beautiful voice I saw her in Charleston S C I was a little disappointed that she didn't sing many of the oldies I know she is promoting her albums however us older ones would like to more of the music of those she is modeling

[@johnpierimusic]

Pasquale Grasso sets a new high standard in jazz guitar playing. Amazing. Samara is truely a joy to listen to. Drums and bass absolutely first class. Doesn’t get any better than this.

[@deewynn]

Pure perfection!! What a gift!!

[@DaStoneboat]

Oh wow, she shapes the sounds like Sara Vaughn. Let there be love in all the right places!

[@wawudacarol993]

I am just from saying this! She reminds me of Sarah Vaughn!!

[@staceylloyd9505]

I played a song of hers for my 92 year old dad and he immediately said she sounds like Sarah Vaughn. ❤️

[@kingcake54]

The longer I watch, the more joy this brings me! I have been a jazz lover for most all my life of 67 years and I have been quite fortunate to see a whole lot of legendary people in my life. I love music and musicians, but it would be fair to say that I am not easily impressed. I am an hour in and grinning ear to ear!

[@RonCarterBassist]

Truly a talented group here :)

[@faylcalhoun44]

Try 76

[@lorij3738]

Agree. 😄 This truly was a wonderful performance. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@wolfgangschaufler3783]

@@RonCarterBassist Joy brings joy ...

[@pambb5743]

I agree completely agree. I’ve been a jazz lover my entire life 65. I’m in a state of sheer joy! BTW…Samara Joy, great shoes.🌹

[@augustuswilliamson9826]

Her flawless vocals accompanied with a Fantastic Trio. With the wonderful lead guitarist! Absolutely Outstanding.

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

Great to see younger musicians still burning the flame.

[@pamelacossey8604]

She is indeed flawless. A little of Ella n a little of Sarah Vaughn. She's just going to get even better. Can't wait to hear more!

[@martinhale6916]

I saw Samara with Pasquale, bassist Mathias Allamane and drummer Alberto Chiozzi at Ronnie Scott's in November 2021 as part of their European tour, a couple of weeks before her 22nd birthday. I told her then that I had seen Dee Dee Bridgewater at a similar age back in 1973, and my opinion holds that Samara will become as great a jazz name as DD, Sarah, Ella and similar greats. She is in my view the best jazz singer of her (young) generation and the best new voice since Roberta Gambarini. Samara is a great voice and a charming personality in live performance. Love this concert.

[@joelweisberg]

Oh my lord, a lot of singers profess to be jazz vocalists but they are not. This beautiful young woman is! And a damn good one at that. She is also lovely❤️

[@kojowiredu]

I'm stealing a comment from another video, " Samara enjoys singing rather than being a singer". Beautiful ❤️

[@meliw4142]

I am just now discovering Ms. Samaras Joy. What a treasure!

[@unapologeticallycreative8365]

It's like listening to Nancy Wilson. She is a massive talent with very mature and enjoyable vocals.

[@gueldabrown8777]

This young and supremely talented young lady brings me joy! Samara Joy is exquisite! A Superstar - pulled right out of time travel. I heard just one note and melted on my sofa while watching her on the Today Show recently. I immediately went to see her perform at Birdland, NYC. She sounds as if velvet could taste buttery sweet with of hint of aged Bourbon. Much continued success! The musicians are top notch and just as velvety smooth!🔥🎤🎶

[@juandanielgarciamercado]

Pasquale is probably the best jazz bebop oriente guitarist in history, just mind blowing!

[@kingcake54]

Every member of this quartet impresses me! Pasquale will be a guitarist of note in Jazz for a long time, Samara is the rebirth of Sarah and Ella, I love Ari's energy and creativity, Keith is the definition of a drummer who knows what to do and when to do it with unfailing taste and swing... REALLY IMPRESSIVE and I have seen a little bit in my life.

[@KatreiseRuffin]

My father was born in 1919 and had me in 1971 I grew up with Jazz all my life and Samara is such a joy to listen to! I cant wait to see her live! 🤩😍🥰

[@mountainlakeluz]

The sound engineer is also beyond gifted and amazing.

[@douglascanjanidearaujo1172]

Also the vídeo...

[@alichamas63]

Also the interior decorator, and the architect

[@mariondaniel2229]

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! Her voice is silky, smooth, and sultry. She is giving jazz a push off the back burner on to front and center stage. We are grateful to witness Samara’s unique musical gift.

[@Xraygirlie100]

I hear a little bit of Ella in her!! OMG. She sweetly commands the audience with her voice. Samara understands the assignment! This whole band done tipped me over with a feather. ❤

[@AngelaFranklin-tw6cg]

Hearing her convinces me that classy jazz singing is being revived. This is REAL singing and playing.

[@jeanjos631]

Hi Samara. MY MOM WAS A SINGER IN THE 40'S.She quit HS and traveled with an all male band,made records and grew up in the Bronx. She sang Embracable you. You truly are a gift.

[@InfinitleYours]

PHENOMENAL ❤ Her smooth silky voice and his guitar playing makes Great Music together❤❤

[@4u2cre8]

I love how when someone in the audience sneezed she worked a "Bless you" into the song. It was so smooth and subtle. I almost thought it was part of the song. Such a professional. 28:12

[@tontonsalut]

Nice music, nice singer, nice musicians, nice venue! Enjoy the playlist below, I just don't know how's untitled the trio tune, if someone can help? 3:09 Sub City (Bud Powell) Trio 9:10 I Didn’t Know What Time It Was 14:30 Stardust 19:08 (It's Easy To See) The Trouble With Me Is You 23:53 Nostalgia (Tadd Dameron) 27:17 There Is No One But You For Me ?? 30:28 But Beautiful 34:00 Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You 41:15 My Heart Stood Still (solo guitar) 47:38 Relaxin with Lee (Charlie Parker) 56:05 If You Never Fall In Love With Me (aka Del Sasser by Sam Jones) 59:15 I’m Gonna Lock My Heart (And Throw Away the Key) 1:03:28 Sophisticated Lady (Duke Ellington) 1:10:03 The Late Late Show (Nat King Cole) 1:13:15 Moonglow 1:17:04 Everything Happens To Me

[@juandanielgarciamercado]

I Believe the first song of solo guitar is My heart stood still

[@tontonsalut]

@@juandanielgarciamercado thanks so lot, I knew the melody but couldn't put a name on it! What about the trio boppish theme?

[@qbavid3684]

Thanks!

[@tontonsalut]

@@qbavid3684 Your welcome!

[@michaelt7161]

Untitled tune sounds like Stompin at the Savoy

[@deborahsiciargo8239]

Samara is a JOY to listen to.

[@eleazerrodriguez7668]

Kudos to the engineer who did a remarkable job capturing this concert.

[@rguistolise]

Wow. Stardust is other-worldly.

[@terrykobleck6529]

I recently got to hear her in Ann Arbor and what an experience! She doesn’t just sing the music, the way she phrases the lyrics let’s us understand the song. And she always has excellent musicians playing with her.

[@gabchaim8232]

Grasso's guitar reminds of the late great René Thomas. Bass-player's fiddlestick is a blessing. Perfect drum part completes outstanding accompaniment of radiant new voice in jazz, somehow related to Cleo Laine. Love it.

[@kojowiredu]

One word: BREATHTAKING

[@michaelfoxbrass]

No matter how marvelous instrumental musicians are in their own right, when performing with a person of supreme vocal talent, they are awestruck. Ms. Joy’s shimmering “Stardust” is transcendent, and the appreciation in eyes of the drummer and bassist are unmistakable.

[@vladjones2446]

Best voice in jazz I’ve heard since Cassandra Wilson.

[@patricklawrence2755]

the entire group is pretty amazing, but i have to imagine that this is what it was for folks when they saw a young Sarah Vaughn or Ella Fitzgerald back in the 40s and 50s...its 2023 now-she is now 24yrs old...at the time of this video she was 20yrs old...and every time i see one of her vids from 2, 3, 4 years ago...i am simply stunned at her vocal skill at such a young age. Simply Amazing!!!!

[@looknn]

She is amazing! She is the reincarnation of Sarah Vaughan! Simply excellent!

[@rummi72]

Right you are, but but as for me Sarah Vaughan has more expression and emphasis in her phrasing. Nevertheless, Samantha is gorgeous, just honey for the ears. Her interpretation acts on me as a soft relaxant.

[@miomeinmio2613]

@@rummi72 ...her name is Samara. ...and why compare? She is herself.And she is and sounds wonderful.

[@deborahsiciargo8239]

This girl is absolutely wonderful. The best vocalist to come along in a long long time. My new favorite singer.❤

[@RD-zj6vc]

When the bassist's bow came out I was like "well, here we go!"

[@joantaylor4862]

My my!!! What a pleasure to hear this type of artistry! Go Samara...what's for you is for you! And, yes...that trio is 🔥

[@mosehfreeman5970]

Even when Samara Joy speaks, it sounds like she's singing.

[@franckschiltz17]

Pasquale is Luigi's brother , very very talented saxophonist . Congratulations to their parents .

[@orbodman]

Nice to see a guitarist who doesn't need a dozen pedals to play. Guitar and amp!!!

[@tyronethornton7322]

A highly trained musician, not a fake,so refreshing to hear.

[@GThoneybuns718]

A legend in the making

[@jimjennings7623]

Samara Joy ---- Wow, she's just outstanding and so much fun! She has had some great instruction and she's smart but she also has those things you JUST CAN'T TEACH. She's GOT IT and we are so lucky! ....by the way, how many millions of songs does this angel know, anyway?

[@mariewilliams4290]

I would guess she knows a few hundred songs 😊

[@matteogazzolo1]

Long time since I heard a true jazz vocalist! She is a reborn star of a reborn age. The guitar is supreme, has a virtuoso touch and harmony depth like no other.

[@elainefitzgerald5505]

I can only say “WOW”!! Beautiful voice with angelic tones of Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRae. Great trio! Ms. Joy can’t wait to attend your concerts!

[@andykostynowicz]

She is heading into the category of all time greats. I can't recollect a voice and ability to match hers in the last 50 years. I would love to see her live.

[@javierarroyo2187]

Pues vete a verla a Santander, España, en los primeros días de agosto 2023. Ella con Grasso y no sé si otros músicos. La ciudad te va a gustar también. Saludos.

[@ellencantarow5160]

Well, at this level why should we need comparisons? But Sarah Vaughan was per sheer vocal quality the greatest.

[@ellencantarow5160]

I’ll reply to myself. Samara is exquisite. Those feathery vibratos all up and down her vocal column. Like Sarah Vaughan she could easily have chosen opera. Jazz aficionados’ great good fortune!

[@cedricmyles9122]

It’s great to see a singer who can really sing and musicians who really master their instruments. It’s aJoy listening to and watching them.

[@keithdavis3626]

Love Samara Joy!!!!!! Jazz still lives!!!

[@mairimcgonigill4347]

Pure class, jazz perfection. Sensational playing and singing, thank you so much to Samara and the trio! Can't wait to see you live! ❤❤

[@agamhamzah2924]

The Bassist is Beast 🤟🔥

[@michaelfoxbrass]

His bowed solo, eights, and fours on the first tune!

[@PaulBarsic]

No doubt! Gut strings, no amp, arco solos.🤩

[@jeffgardner1913]

Samara - amazing - Pasquale and cats - brilliant!

[@valerietillman7131]

Grammy coming up! Nominations in! ❤

[@jonhart5234]

Samara Joy's voice is "Smooth-as-Silk Sarah". And that guitarist can play anything. I listened from beginning to end!

[@michaelmcdonald3057]

Wild arco on that bass fiddle!

[@georgelubavin3245]

I’m shocked , out of my mind-never listening something better than this- the trio and girl - down on my knees

[@thebrooklynite7246]

Delightful!!!

[@bullett661]

C'MON... FLAWLESS

[@MyJ2B]

Great trio! Samara has great tone, range and phrasing. A young Ella with immense talent! I am a seasoned jazz guitarist - Pasquale is one of this generation's "greats" with superb dexterity, comping and soloing skils. Greetings from London, Canada.

[@marionsossen6639]

The best. What a talent.

[@michaelmcdonald3057]

Blown away by the Trio and Ms. Joy!

[@flatjoe6295]

Oh my god .thank you samara and pasquale for bringing the old days .you sounded like ella and Barney kessel .much love for you .this is awsome

[@davidlopez-white3185]

What a deep talent she is, and the band sounds and looks like they are with every note. Fantastic art here folks! Jazz, musical artistry, poetry, athleticism, and humanity for us, how fortunate

[@theappraiserlady]

Yes

[@Rhonda-xe6bz]

She is such a joy to listen and be blessed by her gift. 🎶❤️ She is absolutely incredible!! Thank you for gracing us with this amazing gift of song 🎵🎤🎵❤️❤️💎 To all of you!! The band🥁🎸🎻Thank you and 👏 Bravo!!!

[@tubelesso]

Magnificent quartet, beautiful voice. I love them. Thank you so much.

[@MissLiveLaughLove1]

And now she is a two time Grammy winner. 🤗

[@alvaro5805]

her voice is something out of this world, remind me ella fitzgerald, sometimes sarah vaughan, sometimes Carmen McCrae

[@garyholmes2712]

Her voice is up there with Ella, Carmen McCrae and even Billy Holiday. Amazing.

[@gabrieleschulze7627]

@@HolyRollerTV I don't see any problem as long as she doesn't fuck herself up with drugs and unhealthy relationships. It's a new generation of coloured female musicians; more self-esteem and less loaded with the past of their enslaved ancestors.

[@2ancient2define97]

YES !!!!!!!!❤️

[@lorij3738]

Yes. Samara is in that profound class. 💯 Looking forward to her success. 😁

[@stj971]

@@gabrieleschulze7627 Nothing like a word of positivity. 🤦 You're clearly more dialed into stereotypes than she is.

[@Blessedbeyondmeasur88]

@@gabrieleschulze7627 Your whole take is trashy and inappropriate. Remove this bile from an otherwise beautiful comment section.

[@solonlemospinto3287]

I like the dress code of jazz trios!

[@brunorazaf2755]

Incredible Quartet: Samara is a very young and promising jazz singer; The rhythmic section lead by Pasquale Grasso is also terrific. I saw him playing with another genius of the piano, Rossano Sportiello.. Ari Roland - bass and Keith Balla - drums are so talented and supportive in the groove.

[@tamarapodkopaeva4066]

сегодня посмотрел в пятый раз.наверное не в последний.спасибо

[@daveg9083]

Samara Joy, does not disappoint again, flawless, powerful and moving vocals with great backing. Thank you!

[@maxyneschaw7040]

When she said bless you mid song☺️☺️☺️gotta love a live performance, she is a true delight and her voice is impeccable❤

[@pietpont]

Fantastisch trio, met virtuoze strijkbassis! Groots

[@cherylgourdine1027]

Add another huge fan of this unlimited talent! Her vocal control is superb ❤️❤️❤️

[@matthewzin]

Damn. . . she's perfect. Channels the greats while being 100% original. I don't know how she does it. Charming as hell too. @samarajoy6551

[@vecernicek2]

This concert is pure perfection! You are all extremely wonderful.

[@TheEtbetween]

This was over a year ago! And now she’s a Grammy Award Winner ! Fabulous

[@khylking1466]

sing honey! sannnggggggg I love it! lovely voice, tight band, great music!

[@felicitypageavidreader]

What a joy, what a find.

[@metinarcayurek4710]

I SAW A NEW ELA FİTZGERALD BRAVO!

[@davidmaslow2931]

Heaven! She's Great and the trio is so Wonderful!

[@sowhat928]

La plus belle voix entendue depuis longtemps. Super quatuor

[@cujimmy1366]

Straight to the play list...

[@bedroomguitars]

Pasquale Grasso is seriously one of the vocal accompanists on guitar. Samara's sense of melodic phrasing is beautiful.

[@ednilsonmorgan5900]

Her singing is the perfect match of Carmen McCrae and Sarah Vaughn' s singing together...in just one Voice!!!...what a musical treasure is Samara!!!!.... Thank you for your existence.

[@howardcohen6817]

Samara's lyrics are also pretty darn fantastic. Wonderful singing and playing; thanks.

[@howardcohen6817]

Gesundheit!

[@mikespaulding1118]

In years to come, the people who were at this concert will be able to look back and reflect on the time they saw these jazz greats in a small setting before they were added to the jazz pantheon.

[@Xraygirlie100]

Ear candy!! 🎉❤🎉❤. Suddenly, I need a fireplace, hot tea and cabin socks and a warm blanket and lounge in an easy chair…LOL😂. Magnificent!!

[@Jazzzzer456]

Beautiful/outstanding accompaniment and nice melody singing from the vocalist...would of liked to see her challenge herself w/some improv...but guitarist made up for her lack of any improv skills. He stole the show!! God bless and thanks for posting.😊😊❤❤

[@helgar791]

If Samara keeps this up she'll soon be in the Cecile McLorin Salvant and Jazzmeia Horn league. Her timbre is the most intriguing I've heard in 40 years. Three different young women, three very different styles. Jazz vocals are in good hands these days. Meanwhile Pasquale Grasso is okay. He's only the best jazz guitarist I've heard since Peter Bernstein broke onto the jazz scene. Personally, I'll take Pasquale. Sublime.

[@jamesmcintyre5840]

Killing it young Lady! Keep it up!!!

[@monktrane325]

She reminds me of Sarah. This young lady has it; that special vocal talent. The band is exceptional.

[@sfwisdom6673]

Samara Joy 😍

[@steveweinstein7858]

What a talent she is!

[@kentporterfield3968]

Absolutly beutiful! I am a Narc survivor. The song Samara sang "The trouble with me is You" shocked me! All the details of the story line reflect a Narc. relationship.

[@mnp7862]

Samara Joy, come to San Francisco. We would love to hear you in person. And bring the superb Pasquale Grasso Trio with you.

[@ThePhantomdrifter]

That guitar solo is as smooth as it ever can get...!!!

[@helgar791]

The first time I saw Ari Roland at Smalls I turned to my friend and said, "He's good, but when he uses the bow he really convinces me". I stand firmly behind that. A "Joy" to listen to.

[@jeffreycraven8154]

I know what time is is now 3:30 AM, but wanted to hear Samara's voice before I fell down hopefully near to my bed. What a wonderful voice full of sunshine and whatever other emotion she wants to express. If I fell in love with every beautiful talented woman I ever knew, I'd be dead by now. Never met Samara or I'd be in orbit right now. Men playing doing a fine job.

[@marcelolinhares8233]

What can i say?? She is fantastic!! The best jazz singer in nowadays!!❤ Top musicians also!!

[@zagortriplex100]

Samara and Pasquale are great!

[@riccardobocci73]

Absolute amazing!!!! I've seen the concerts in Umbria Jazz this year in Italy and I had a very good impression and good feelings. Thanks Samara and Pasquale and all musicians.

[@Love-Is-Kind]

Billie, Ella, Sarah, and Nina would all be incredibly proud of this angelic gift sent straight from Heaven above. What a true blessing! 🥰💖💯❣🎤🎼🎵🎶🎹👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@meaux8]

Velvet ~ Pure ~ Beautiful ~

[@casperkasparov302]

Oh My She Is Lovely That Gorgeous Velvet Voice