{"id":7365,"date":"2025-12-12T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/5-albums-i-cant-live-without-samara-joy\/"},"modified":"2025-12-12T15:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T15:00:00","slug":"5-albums-i-cant-live-without-samara-joy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/5-albums-i-cant-live-without-samara-joy\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Albums I Can\u2019t Live Without: Samara Joy"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Samara_1_-_credit__ABDM-2-e1764890836169.jpg\" width=\"1440\" height=\"917\" alt=\"Samara Joy. (Credit: AB + DM)\"><figcaption>Samara Joy. (Credit: AB + DM)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<p>More from Spin:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spin.com\/2025\/12\/justin-vernon-eaux-claires\/\">Justin Vernon\u2019s Eaux Claires Fest Returning In \u201926<\/a>\n\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spin.com\/2025\/12\/peter-gabriel-marty-supreme\/\">Peter Gabriel Salutes Josh Safdie For \u2018Touch\u2019 Sync<\/a>\n\t\t<\/li>\n<li>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spin.com\/2025\/12\/jazz-fest-2026\/\">Stevie Nicks, Lorde, Eagles Are In Jazz Fest Groove<\/a>\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Name\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Samara Joy<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best known<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>for<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Never being home.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Current city<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0New York, my hometown.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Really want to be in<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Paris or Italy, eating the best food and playing with local musicians!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Excited about<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Playing at the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyphil.org\/concerts-tickets\/?months=&amp;event-type=&amp;keyword=Samara+Joy\" target=\"_blank\">NY Philharmonic<\/a>\u00a0with my band, as well as debuting their newest orchestrations! May 16 if you\u2019re in town \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p><strong>My current music collection has a lot of<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Jazz.<\/p>\n<p><strong>And a little bit of<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Soul.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Preferred format<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0YouTube. I love finding live performances of my favorite artists or albums I can\u2019t hear anywhere else. Qobuz is dope too.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<lite-youtube videoid=\"YEevXtuYDUY\" style=\"bottom: 0; height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; width: 100%; max-width:100%;\"><\/lite-youtube>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-albums-i-can-t-live-without\"><strong><u>5 Albums I Can\u2019t Live Without:<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1\">1<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-sensational-savettes-the-sensational-savettes\"><strong><em>The Sensational Savettes<\/em>, The Sensational Savettes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1290\" height=\"1290\" src=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Sensational-Savettes-1290x1290.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-649739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Sensational-Savettes-1290x1290.png 1290w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Sensational-Savettes-340x340.png 340w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Sensational-Savettes-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Sensational-Savettes-498x498.png 498w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Sensational-Savettes.png 1298w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1290px) 100vw, 1290px\"><\/figure>\n<p>I consider myself very fortunate, being born into a family with music at its core. Hearing my paternal grandparents Ruth and Elder Goldwire McLendon singing on record from 1966 as a part of a group they founded in Philadelphia is a true blessing. My grandma\u2019s soaring soprano on \u201cWhat if He Came Today?\u201d and my grandfather on \u201cBeloved\u201d are two of my favorites, reminding me of where I come from and constantly guiding how I use my voice to lift others.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Bonus: \u201cSunshine Follows Rain\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThinking of a Friend\u201d (<em>Mercy<\/em>, the Savettes)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen They Ring Those Golden Bells\u201d (<em>Mercy<\/em>, the Savettes)<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2\">2<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-straight-ahead-abbey-lincoln-nbsp\"><strong><em>Straight Ahead<\/em>, Abbey Lincoln\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1290\" height=\"1214\" src=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Straight-Ahead-Abbey-Lincoln-.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-649742\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Straight-Ahead-Abbey-Lincoln-.png 1290w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Straight-Ahead-Abbey-Lincoln--340x320.png 340w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Straight-Ahead-Abbey-Lincoln--768x723.png 768w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Straight-Ahead-Abbey-Lincoln--498x469.png 498w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1290px) 100vw, 1290px\"><\/figure>\n<p>One of the first albums I listened to in its entirety! The lineup alone shows you how powerful the music is, as well as the intention behind it. Abbey Lincoln\u2019s voice is rich and direct &amp; I\u2019ve taken many notes on her original lyrics written throughout the entire record. The arrangements are unique, allowing Abbey to not only be the lead voice but blend in with the band. This taught me more about what the role of a vocalist in a band could be. The music, arrangements, and individual sounds of Booker Little, Max Roach, Coleman Hawkins, Eric Dolphy! True heavyweights. We\u2019ve had the opportunity of meeting Julian Priester, who is the last surviving member of this record, and his composition Retribution is one of my favorites. I wish I could\u2019ve been a fly on the wall in the studio.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3\">3<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-audience-with-betty-carter-betty-carter\"><strong><em>The Audience with Betty Carter<\/em>, Betty Carter<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1234\" height=\"1192\" src=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Audience-with-Betty-Carter-.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-649743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Audience-with-Betty-Carter-.png 1234w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Audience-with-Betty-Carter--340x328.png 340w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Audience-with-Betty-Carter--768x742.png 768w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Audience-with-Betty-Carter--498x481.png 498w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1234px) 100vw, 1234px\"><\/figure>\n<p>This album has so much energy! I was really taken aback by how spontaneous and unique the arrangements are, how much music could be made with a trio and a voice. Specifically, Betty Carter\u2019s voice and her individuality shines through. It made me listen to music differently. This album made me think about all the different musical tools at our disposal that can be used to add drama, dynamic contrast, and truly bring a song to life in your own way. John Hicks, Curtis Lundy, and Kenny Washington are such a powerful engine, driving the entire record from start to finish.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4\">4<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-peaceful-side-of-jazz-billy-strayhorn\"><strong><em>The Peaceful Side of Jazz<\/em>, Billy Strayhorn<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1290\" height=\"1290\" src=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Peaceful-Side-of-Jazz-Billy-Strayhorn-1290x1290.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-649744\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Peaceful-Side-of-Jazz-Billy-Strayhorn-1290x1290.png 1290w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Peaceful-Side-of-Jazz-Billy-Strayhorn-340x340.png 340w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Peaceful-Side-of-Jazz-Billy-Strayhorn-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Peaceful-Side-of-Jazz-Billy-Strayhorn-498x498.png 498w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/The-Peaceful-Side-of-Jazz-Billy-Strayhorn.png 1444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1290px) 100vw, 1290px\"><\/figure>\n<p>After reading Strayhorn\u2019s biography, written by David Hajdu, I delved deeper into his discography. It\u2019s inextricably connected to Duke Ellington, as they were collaborators for many years, but I enjoy hearing Billy Strayhorn\u2019s unique approach to music through his original compositions on this album. An album where he alone shines as the star. It gave me a new appreciation for his sense of melody and the pure feeling being poured into his music. Every single note is played and composed with intention, which has and will always be a huge inspiration to me.<br \/>\u00a0<br \/>Bonus: \u201cLove Came\u201d sung by Ozzie Bailey<br \/>\u201cThe Queen\u2019s Suite\u201d written by Ellington and Strayhorn<br \/>\u201cLovelinessence\u201d written by Strayhorn, played by Cat Anderson<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5\">5<\/h2>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-suddenly-billy-ocean\"><strong><em>Suddenly<\/em>, Billy Ocean<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1252\" height=\"1214\" src=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Suddenly-Billy-Ocean.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-649741\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Suddenly-Billy-Ocean.png 1252w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Suddenly-Billy-Ocean-340x330.png 340w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Suddenly-Billy-Ocean-768x745.png 768w, https:\/\/static.spin.com\/files\/2025\/12\/Suddenly-Billy-Ocean-498x483.png 498w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Another point of family pride: my late uncle Keith Diamond produced and wrote this album alongside Billy Ocean. My dad gifted me the vinyl one Christmas along with my first record player and I wore this one out. He also produced my family\u2019s first album in the \u201890s, co-written by my dad, aunts, and cousins and I hope to share some of those songs soon. It\u2019s a tie between \u201cSyncopation\u201d and \u201cSuddenly\u201d but all the songs on this record are special to me, not only because they\u2019re amazing, but there\u2019s evidence of another family member making a significant impact in music and I only hope I can do the same.<\/p>\n<p>To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spin.com\/2021\/07\/the-greatest-rock-stars-of-all-time\/?utm_source=yahoo&amp;utm_medium=bottomlink&amp;utm_campaign=yahoolink\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Samara Joy. (Credit: AB + DM) More from Spin: Justin Vernon\u2019s Eaux Claires Fest Returning In \u201926 Peter Gabriel Salutes Josh Safdie For \u2018Touch\u2019 Sync Stevie Nicks, Lorde, Eagles Are&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[262,4759,4760,4761,4762,31,4763,24,4764],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-5-albums-i-cant-live-without","category-abbey-lincoln","category-betty-carter","category-billy-ocean","category-billy-strayhorn","category-features","category-jazz","category-pushly","category-samara-joy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7365"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7365\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/musictechohio.online\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}