Samara fittingly scooped the Sarah Vaughan vocal award in 2019, having studied Sarah (along with Billie, Ella, and Nat King Cole) at SUNY Purchase. Still only 21, she recorded this set of standards under the aegis of Matt Pierson, noted producer of Brad Mehldau and Sophie Milman. She's backed by the trio of Pasquale Crasso, also on the faculty at Purchase. He uses his astonishing technique to emulate Art Tatum and Bud Powell rather than other guitarists - though on 'Stardust' he sneaks in Charlie Christian's chord solo. His unremitting virtuosity is almost too much, but Samara floats over it. A lovely voice, perfect time, beautiful diction, effortless grace as an interpreter. Above all, she wins your heart.
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