It was affirming to see the majesty of this modern juke joint with wood crafted architecture that made waves throughout the auditorium and set the vibe for a truly transcending experience. It felt freeing. The crowd was diverse and enthusiastic; smiles and warm greetings seemed to stretch miles across the auditorium while we were being seated. I wondered how many singers were there, how many instrumentalists, how many teachers, how many medical professionals, photographers, how many music lovers. I wondered, but as the lights begin to dim and I settled in my seat; I concluded that my thoughts were trivial. I had little doubt that no matter who we were or what we did; we all loved good music and specifically and authentically; jazz. I would say from the nostalgic big band set up to the remarkable divine performances conducted by band leader John Clayton we seem to be seductively carried to the days of Basie, Ella, Ellington, and Sarah! Claytons charismatic and succinct gestures was matched only by his comical inserts throughout the night that lifted any falls one felt during the transitions. The beautifully diverse Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra narrated the night with precision along with their equally diverse musical choices and arrangements. From the Bluesy "Jody grind" to the earnest rendition of Billy Joel's "And so it goes", the orchestra kept our emotions in complete balance. After a couple of incredible swings, bass solos, and warm tunes. The conductor leaned into the mic and introduced Samara in the second act.
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She glided on stage with her usual seemingly coy and soft demeanor. She greeted us with a sort of slap-stick "sorry for the wait" apologizing to the audience for cancelling the show that was to be in February due to illness. The audience chuckled in acceptance. She began her set and it was flawless. I describe her voice as precious, sweet, and supple, like thick creamy, no lump buttered grits with a sprinkle of sugar. Most ancestors would strike the sugar out but, in this case, I think they would approve. My favorite selection was her rendition of April in Paris. I only heard the great Josephine baker perform it unblemished and with glamour. Samara's approach was truly a lesson in technique and control. Her voice is just something unidentifiable and alluring. She can make any song fantastical with her holy like instrument.&nbsp;
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She touched us with the tribute to her teacher Barry Harris with a song entitled "Now and Then." I had never heard of him or the song but she sang it with such connection I made sure to research his brilliance. She really showed her improvisation range during the duet with Clayton of "A Beautiful Friendship". His bass fingers plucked with the same ease of the club DJ and she melted over the tune with rhythmic choices unattainable by the average lounge singer. She even decided to bless us with an amazing encore that I'm sure had even the angels doing the jitterbug. As she was ending I sat in complete contentment knowing I was simply watching a perfect performance from someone who is perfectly practiced, prepared and polished.

SAMARA JOY

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Smooth Jazz Magazine

Paul Taylor

Paula Will Have You Put on Your ...ATHERTON

Yellowjackets

The Light Of Day

BRIAN PAUL MICHAEL SERIOUSLY

VINCENT INGALA Escape With Me

37TH ANNUAL CATALINA ISLAND JAZZTRAX FESTIVAL

Rest in Peace SERGIO MENDES 1941 - 2024

The Early Life...

Dan Seigal Unity

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