5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: Samara Joy

5 Albums I Can’t Live Without:

1

The Sensational Savettes, The Sensational Savettes

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’s soaring soprano on “What if He Came Today?” and my grandfather on “Beloved” are two of my favorites, reminding me of where I come from and constantly guiding how I use my voice to lift others. 

Bonus: “Sunshine Follows Rain”

“Thinking of a Friend” (Mercy, the Savettes) 

“When They Ring Those Golden Bells” (Mercy, the Savettes)

2

Straight Ahead, Abbey Lincoln 

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’s voice is rich and direct & I’ve 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’ve 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’ve been a fly on the wall in the studio.

3

The Audience with Betty Carter, Betty Carter

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’s 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.

4

The Peaceful Side of Jazz, Billy Strayhorn

After reading Strayhorn’s biography, written by David Hajdu, I delved deeper into his discography. It’s inextricably connected to Duke Ellington, as they were collaborators for many years, but I enjoy hearing Billy Strayhorn’s 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.
 
Bonus: “Love Came” sung by Ozzie Bailey
“The Queen’s Suite” written by Ellington and Strayhorn
“Lovelinessence” written by Strayhorn, played by Cat Anderson

5

Suddenly, Billy Ocean

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’s first album in the ‘90s, co-written by my dad, aunts, and cousins and I hope to share some of those songs soon. It’s a tie between “Syncopation” and “Suddenly” but all the songs on this record are special to me, not only because they’re amazing, but there’s evidence of another family member making a significant impact in music and I only hope I can do the same.