ProJazz.net

Portrait is the third studio album by American singer Samara Joy. It was released on October 11, 2024, by Verve Records and contained eight tracks of jazz standards and covers from the Great American Songbook. The album won Joy her third Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2026 ceremony.

Reception

Portrait drew a positive critical response following its release. Matt Collar of AllMusic rated the album four out of five stars, finding that it showcased Joy’s “broad jazz virtuosity”. Collar praised Joy’s voice as being “cool and enveloping”, finding songs like “Autumn Nocturne” to resemble that of recordings by Sarah Vaughan or Betty Carter. Collar concluded by writing, “Jaw-dropping in its sheer artistry, the performance, as with all of Portrait, underscores just how seemingly limitless Samara Joy’s skills are.”

Track listing
1. “You Stepped Out of a Dream”
Gus KahnNacio Herb Brown
4:35
2. “Reincarnation of a Lovebird”
Charles MingusSamara Joy
6:28
3. “Autumn Nocturne”
Kim GannonJoe Myrow
3:47
4. “Dreams Come True/Peace of Mind”
Joe MyrowSun RaKendric McAllisterSamara Joy
7:06
5. “A Fool in Love (Is Called a Clown)” Donovan Austin 4:48
6. “No More Blues”
Jon HendricksAntônio Carlos Jobim
5:46
7. “Now and Then (In Remembrance Of…)”
Barry HarrisSamara Joy
6:28
8. “Day by Day”
Axel StordahlPaul WestonSammy Cahn
4:58

Personnel

Alto Saxophone, Flute – David Mason (22) (tracks: 1-9)
Drums – Evan Sherman (tracks: 1-9)
Piano – Connor Rohrer (tracks: 1-9)
Tenor Saxophone – Kendric McCallister (tracks: 1-9)
Trombone – Donovan Austin (tracks: 1-9)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Jason Charos (tracks: 1-9)
Vocals, Producer – Samara Joy (tracks: 1-9)

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Released: October 11, 2024
Studio: Van Gelder Studio
Length: 43:52
Label: Verve
Producers: Samara Joy, Brian Lynch