This is not a comment on Samara Joy, but rather a comment on the way in which she is presented here. First of all, I am highly educated in music, studied Jazz in college, and have been listening intently to the music for the last 45 years. Everyone wants to be acknowledged, but people don't generally try to make a living in Jazz because they're looking to be the next "sensation." Just being a competent jazz musician is harder than many other forms of music, due to the unique challenges of improvisation, and how the music continually evolves and utilizes the influences of other styles. And even if one is a good improviser, there's the additional requirement of not just playing the notes, but actually making music. Pop musicians don't have to worry about such fundamental issues, because they're just trying to find the next big hit. Even classical musicians have it easier in that sense, because for them the repertoire is mostly fixed, and so the focus is more on mastering one's instrument, which requires isolated practice. Jazz is a language that requires the musicians to not only play well, but listen even more intently to one another. It's like the difference between an actor who is onstage waiting for another to finish his or her line so they can say their own, and one who is actually listening, in the moment, adding that extra but vital component of realism. The language of this article, unfortunately, lays it on pretty heavily with the vernacular of someone who believes popular success is the only measure of success. "Old-fashioned, but fresh," "vocal phenom," are just two examples, plus using the Grammys as a yardstick for musical excellence, would get you laughed out of the room in many conversations involving jazz musicians. And sorry, but the number of Instagram followers is not an accurate measure of the quality of anything, especially Music. Throwing in the superficial words of a celebrity who thinks Samara is the next Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn rolled into one person not only dishonors those legends, but goes against the argument that she is a "new voice of Jazz." And while we're on that topic, Jazz has actually kept going pretty consistently and strongly now for over 100 years, and has never needed a "savior of the genre." Sorry, Wynton Marsalis. Sorry, Ken Burns. Whenever that tired argument has been made, that Jazz is "dead," that only tells me one has stopped listening seriously. I understand this argument is probably going to be perceived as negative towards the author and the subject. That is not my intent. My intent is to remind people about how many incredible musicians and music educators exist who don't ever get this kind of recognition, but also undoubtedly deserve it. Let's work on doing that better, instead of being so quick to anoint the next "savior" with the "megawatt smile." We rely on the benchmark of celebrity and popular success at the peril of actual Art, and the continual development and encouragement of new artists, including those who choose an art form that is native to us, like Jazz.
Dear Dan ~ I love how you are so intellectually versed, worldly and wise, but also so current and relevant in 2024. My favorite journalist ever, who feels like a dear friend. Much respect and yes, love to you too! I hope Samara Joy gets to meet you!
She is a treasure. Yes close our eyes and listen and listen and listen. It never gets old.
She truly is peace and joy to the world.
Thank you Dan for exposing me to a such a fine work of art I never new existed!
I am so glad this jazz is still out there.
I have heard of Samara Joy, but have never listened to her sing. Found her on Youtube & listened to Guess Who I Saw Today. Wow beautiful.
She reminds me of Sarah Vaughn. What a silky smooth voice.
This is not a comment on Samara Joy, but rather a comment on the way in which she is presented here. First of all, I am highly educated in music, studied Jazz in college, and have been listening intently to the music for the last 45 years. Everyone wants to be acknowledged, but people don't generally try to make a living in Jazz because they're looking to be the next "sensation." Just being a competent jazz musician is harder than many other forms of music, due to the unique challenges of improvisation, and how the music continually evolves and utilizes the influences of other styles. And even if one is a good improviser, there's the additional requirement of not just playing the notes, but actually making music. Pop musicians don't have to worry about such fundamental issues, because they're just trying to find the next big hit. Even classical musicians have it easier in that sense, because for them the repertoire is mostly fixed, and so the focus is more on mastering one's instrument, which requires isolated practice. Jazz is a language that requires the musicians to not only play well, but listen even more intently to one another. It's like the difference between an actor who is onstage waiting for another to finish his or her line so they can say their own, and one who is actually listening, in the moment, adding that extra but vital component of realism. The language of this article, unfortunately, lays it on pretty heavily with the vernacular of someone who believes popular success is the only measure of success. "Old-fashioned, but fresh," "vocal phenom," are just two examples, plus using the Grammys as a yardstick for musical excellence, would get you laughed out of the room in many conversations involving jazz musicians. And sorry, but the number of Instagram followers is not an accurate measure of the quality of anything, especially Music. Throwing in the superficial words of a celebrity who thinks Samara is the next Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn rolled into one person not only dishonors those legends, but goes against the argument that she is a "new voice of Jazz." And while we're on that topic, Jazz has actually kept going pretty consistently and strongly now for over 100 years, and has never needed a "savior of the genre." Sorry, Wynton Marsalis. Sorry, Ken Burns. Whenever that tired argument has been made, that Jazz is "dead," that only tells me one has stopped listening seriously. I understand this argument is probably going to be perceived as negative towards the author and the subject. That is not my intent. My intent is to remind people about how many incredible musicians and music educators exist who don't ever get this kind of recognition, but also undoubtedly deserve it. Let's work on doing that better, instead of being so quick to anoint the next "savior" with the "megawatt smile." We rely on the benchmark of celebrity and popular success at the peril of actual Art, and the continual development and encouragement of new artists, including those who choose an art form that is native to us, like Jazz.
Outstanding !!
What an amazing voice!
Oh, thank you. I am feeing overcome with joy-- Samara Joy! Adding her to my favorites,
Thank you for making me aware of Ms. Joy and her stunning talent! Wow!!
Thank you, Dan, for something "different," but nonetheless enjoyable.
Love her. One of the more recent Queens of Jazz.
Oh, the voice. Oh, the standards. Oh, the rarity of such a pure sound. Jazzzzzz! Fabulous.
Dear Dan ~ I love how you are so intellectually versed, worldly and wise, but also so current and relevant in 2024. My favorite journalist ever, who feels like a dear friend. Much respect and yes, love to you too! I hope Samara Joy gets to meet you!
24 and incredible!
Oh my goodness sakes alive! All this at age 24. Thanks again for a great introduction 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼