Few figures in jazz history have experienced the kind of success that vocalist Samara Joy has, especially at such a young age. Still only 25, she leads a career that can safely be called sensational.

A native of the Bronx, Samara Joy became entranced by classic R&B as a child and cut her teeth as a singer in her church’s gospel choir. While studying in college, she won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, launching her into the national jazz spotlight.

Praised by audiences and critics alike, she is celebrated as a masterful interpreter of jazz standards and a modern torchbearer for legends such as Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln, and Carmen McRae.

Joy released her self-titled debut on the Whirlwind label in 2021, followed a year later by Linger Awhile, her breakout Verve debut, of which Down Beat said, “With this beautiful recording, a silky-voiced star is born.” The album earned her a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album in addition to a headline-making win for Best New Artist. A deluxe edition of the album was released, as well as the EP A Joyful Holiday, which took home Grammys for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Jazz Performance in 2025.

Her new Verve album, Portrait, which Joy co-produced with the veteran trumpeter/bandleader and multi-Grammy winner Brian Lynch, showcases the intimate, soulful chemistry she’s developed with her touring band, already earning her an NAACP Image Award this year for Best Jazz Album. Portrait also spotlights her burgeoning gifts as a lyricist, in ingenious arrangements that meld her thoughtful words with music by Charles Mingus, Sun Ra and her late mentor Barry Harris.

Opening is Lucy-Anne Daniels. Growing up immersed in the vibrant worlds of gospel and jazz, Lucy-Anne is a natural performer and vivid storyteller.

Still early in her career, Lucy-Anne is boldly making her mark on the UK Jazz scene and beyond, gracing the notable stages of the Royal Albert Hall, where she commanded the stage during the BBC PROMS series, Duc des Lombards in Paris, Dizzy's New York and frequent showings at Ronnie Scotts where she made her debut, at just sixteen.

Her rich, expressive vocals flow effortlessly across styles, and with "a voice mature beyond her years" (TheScotsman), she captivates listeners through her powerful interpretation of lyric and melodic control. Blending her love for theatre and spoken word, with an embodied reverence for music, every performance is an invitation - to experience the drama and humour, intimacy and connection of a musical communion.