Linger Awhile
Linger Awhile is the second studio album by American jazz vocalist Samara Joy, released on September 16, 2022, through Verve Records as her major-label debut.[1] Produced by Matt Pierson, the album consists of ten jazz standards performed with a trio featuring pianist Ben Paterson, bassist David Wong, and drummer Kenny Washington, showcasing Joy's rich contralto voice and interpretive phrasing reminiscent of jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.[2][3] The title track, a perennial jazz and pop standard originally composed in 1923 with music by Vincent Rose and lyrics by Harry Owens, highlights the album's nod to early 20th-century songbook traditions.[4] At just 23 years old upon its release, Bronx-born Samara Joy—full name Samara Joy McLendon, who studied jazz vocal performance at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music—delivered a sophisticated collection that blends intimate ballads and swinging up-tempo numbers, including covers of "Misty," "'Round Midnight," and "Someone to Watch Over Me" featuring guest guitarist Pasquale Grasso.[5][6] The tracklist emphasizes emotional depth and rhythmic nuance, with Joy's arrangements emphasizing lyrical clarity and subtle scatting.[2] Linger Awhile garnered widespread critical acclaim for revitalizing the jazz vocal tradition and propelling Joy into the spotlight, earning a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, while Joy herself won Best New Artist for her burgeoning career anchored by the record.[7] The album's success underscored its role in bridging generational divides in jazz, with reviewers praising its timeless elegance and Joy's mature artistry.[8]Background
Concept and development
Linger Awhile serves as the second studio album by American jazz vocalist Samara Joy, following her self-titled debut released in July 2021 on Whirlwind Recordings, which showcased her emerging talent through interpretations of jazz standards.[9] This sophomore effort marks a significant maturation in Joy's jazz vocal style, building on the foundation of her initial release by incorporating more experimental elements such as vocalese—adding original lyrics to instrumental jazz solos—while maintaining a deep reverence for the genre's traditions.[10] The album draws primary inspiration from classic jazz standards spanning the 1920s to 1950s, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timeless appeal central to its conceptual framework. The title track, "Linger Awhile," originally composed in 1923 with music by Vincent Rose and lyrics by Harry Owens, was selected to encapsulate this era's enduring charm, reflecting Joy's intent to bridge historical jazz repertoire with contemporary sensibilities.[11] Joy's artistic vision for the album emphasizes blending traditional jazz elements with her personal interpretations, allowing her to infuse fresh emotional depth into well-known material. Influenced by iconic Black female jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, she sought to honor and extend their legacy, stating, “There’s such an incredible and rich history of Black female singers… I can relate to and hopefully carry it and pass it down.”[10] Development of Linger Awhile began in early 2022, shortly after Joy's rising profile from her Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her debut at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.[12] This period aligned with her signing to Verve Records, enabling a focused exploration of standards from her academic training at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, now reimagined for broader accessibility.[13]Pre-production preparations
Following the success of her self-titled debut album released in July 2021 on Whirlwind Recordings, Samara Joy entered negotiations with Verve Records for a deal to produce her sophomore album, with the signing announced on August 5, 2022.[14] This agreement marked her transition to a major jazz label, enabling expanded resources for recording and distribution. Matt Pierson was selected as producer, continuing his role from Joy's debut; he was chosen for his deep expertise in jazz production, including work with artists like Bria Skonberg on With a Twist (Sony Masterworks, 2017) and Kirk Whalum, as well as his history of collaborating with musicians from Norah Jones' circle, such as bassist Tony Scherr.[15] Pierson, who first encountered Joy as a judge at the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, also served as her manager, ensuring alignment on the album's vision during planning.[16] The initial song scouting process focused on identifying jazz standards Joy had studied during her college years at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, culminating in a tracklist of 10 pieces, including classics like "Misty" and "'Round Midnight," alongside lesser-known gems such as "Sweet Pumpkin" for reinterpretation through vocalese techniques.[10] Preparations emphasized logistical planning, including allocations for physical formats like vinyl and CD releases to complement digital distribution.[17]Recording and production
Studio sessions
The studio sessions for Linger Awhile took place at Sear Sound in New York City, a renowned facility known for its high-quality analog recording capabilities.[1] Produced by Matt Pierson and engineered by Chris Allen, the sessions featured Samara Joy accompanied by a core quartet of veteran jazz musicians: guitarist Pasquale Grasso, pianist Ben Paterson, bassist David Wong, and drummer Kenny Washington.[18][19] Joy described the primary recording as an efficient process, completed over two days in March 2022, with seven tracks captured on the first day and the remainder on the second to maintain momentum and live energy.[20][21] This approach allowed for organic band performances on most tracks, emphasizing the intimate, swinging jazz aesthetic central to the album.[3] The resulting album has a total runtime of 41:14, showcasing Joy's vocals in both ensemble and more isolated ballad settings for emotional depth on pieces like "Misty."[19]Engineering and mixing
The mixing phase for Linger Awhile was handled by engineer Christopher Allen, who balanced the intimate jazz ensemble sound to preserve the album's warm, organic feel following the initial tracking sessions. Allen's approach emphasized clarity in the vocal performances and instrumental interplay, drawing on his experience with jazz recordings to ensure the mixes translated effectively across formats.[22] Specific engineering techniques included the use of a Flea 49 tube condenser microphone—modeled after 1940s ribbon designs—for capturing Samara Joy's vocals, providing a vintage warmth that complemented the album's classic jazz aesthetic. Subtle applications of reverb were applied selectively to elements like piano and drums in certain tracks, enhancing spatial depth without overpowering the natural room ambiance from the recording environment. These choices contributed to the album's cohesive sonic identity, highlighting nuanced dynamics in the arrangements.[23] The album was then mastered by Mark Wilder at Battery Studios in New York City, where he optimized the dynamic range to suit both streaming platforms and vinyl playback, maintaining high fidelity while avoiding compression artifacts common in digital distribution. This mastering preserved the album's emotional expressiveness and instrumental balance, contributing to its critical acclaim.[19]Composition
Song selection
The album Linger Awhile features ten covers of jazz standards, all composed before 1960, with no original compositions by Samara Joy or her collaborators. This deliberate choice allowed the focus to remain on interpretive vocal prowess rather than new material, emphasizing songs that test the singer's range through intricate melodies and phrasing while conveying profound emotional nuance. The tracks were selected during pre-production in collaboration with producer Matt Pierson, providing ample rehearsal time to refine Joy's personal takes on these classics. Representative selections include "Can't Get Out of This Mood," written in 1941 by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics) for the film Seven Days Leave, which captures the playful yet confessional swing of early 1940s popular song. "'Round Midnight," composed around 1940–1941 by Thelonious Monk and first recorded in 1944, offers a brooding, introspective ballad that highlights Joy's ability to navigate its harmonic complexities. Similarly, "Someone to Watch Over Me," a 1926 standard by George Gershwin (music) and Ira Gershwin (lyrics) from the musical Oh, Kay!, was chosen for its tender vulnerability and lyrical intimacy. The title track, "Linger Awhile," dates to 1923, composed by Vincent Rose (music) and Harry Owens (lyrics) amid the Prohibition era's vibrant underground jazz scene, evoking a sense of lingering romance in speakeasy settings. "Misty," an instrumental-turned-standard from 1954 by pianist Erroll Garner with lyrics added by Johnny Burke in 1955, was included for its atmospheric potential, suiting explorations of longing and haze in vocal performance. These historical pieces, drawn from the Great American Songbook, underscore the album's nod to jazz's foundational repertoire while showcasing Joy's maturation as an interpreter.Arrangements and style
Linger Awhile embodies straight-ahead jazz in a classic quartet format, featuring Samara Joy on vocals, Pasquale Grasso on guitar, Ben Paterson on piano, David Wong on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums, with occasional additions like horns on select tracks.[24] The album's style emphasizes swing rhythms and romantic ballads, drawing from mid-20th-century vocal jazz traditions while incorporating subtle modern elements, such as Grasso's electric guitar work that adds a contemporary edge to the ensemble sound.[25][3] Key arrangements highlight the album's versatility: the title track delivers an up-tempo scat performance with exhilarating guitar solos, infusing the 1923 standard with buoyant energy and bebop-inspired phrasing from Joy.[26] In contrast, "Guess Who I Saw Today" adopts an intimate trio setup with voice, guitar, and bass, prioritizing narrative storytelling and emotional depth over elaborate instrumentation.[27] "'Round Midnight" features modal improvisation enriched by a horn section—trumpet, trombone, and tenor saxophone—arranged by Kendric McAllister, expanding the quartet into a fuller ensemble for Thelonious Monk's iconic ballad.[28][24] Joy's vocal style is marked by bebop-influenced phrasing, characterized by precise articulation and poetic timing that echoes influences like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, yet she consistently favors lyrical clarity and interpretive nuance over displays of virtuosity.[29][3] The album comprises 10 tracks averaging around four minutes each, allowing space for concise, focused interpretations that balance tradition with personal expression.[28]Release and promotion
Marketing strategies
Verve Records implemented a targeted marketing strategy for Linger Awhile, emphasizing outreach to jazz festivals and radio stations to engage dedicated listeners in the genre. This approach included promotional support for performances at key events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival, where tracks from the album were showcased live.[30] Pre-release buzz was built through social media teasers starting in August 2022, following the album's official announcement on August 5, with exclusive previews shared on platforms like Instagram to generate anticipation.[31][32] Central to the campaigns was the emphasis on the vinyl edition, positioned to attract collectors through limited-edition variants such as the translucent blue pressing, available via retailers like Target and the Verve store.[33] Partnerships with influential jazz publications, including features and reviews in DownBeat, provided in-depth coverage that highlighted the album's standards reinterpretations and bolstered credibility among enthusiasts.[13] The promotional efforts focused primarily on the US and UK markets, leveraging regional tours and media placements to maximize reach. Digital pre-saves were promoted on Spotify to drive first-day streaming numbers, aligning with broader efforts to integrate the album into playlist rotations. The release date of September 16, 2022, was selected to coincide with the fall jazz season, capitalizing on heightened audience interest during this period.[34][26]Singles and media appearances
The lead single from Linger Awhile was "Can't Get Out of This Mood," released on August 12, 2022, accompanied by a studio video.[35] The title track was released as a single on October 2, 2022, accompanied by a visualizer video featuring guitarist Pasquale Grasso.[36] No additional commercial singles were issued from the album. Promotional media included live performances of the title track at the 2022 Montreal International Jazz Festival, captured in professional footage showcasing Joy's vocal delivery alongside her band.[30] In late 2022, Joy appeared in an NPR segment discussing the album's Grammy nominations, performing selections from Linger Awhile at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., which highlighted her interpretive approach to jazz standards.[37] The album launch took place at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, with Joy performing tracks from Linger Awhile during a residency in late September 2022, drawing crowds eager for her live renditions of reimagined standards.[38] Coverage in JazzTimes emphasized Joy's innovative reinterpretations of classic tunes on the album, noting her ability to blend tradition with contemporary phrasing in interviews and reviews tied to the release.[39] The visualizer video for "Linger Awhile" has amassed significant views on YouTube, contributing to the album's online buzz.[36]Reception
Critical reviews
Linger Awhile received widespread acclaim from jazz critics upon its release, with reviewers praising Samara Joy's vocal maturity and her ability to deliver a nostalgic yet innovative interpretation of classic standards. In JazzTimes, Veronica Johnson highlighted Joy's growth, noting "plenty of evidence of that musical maturation on her new recording," attributing it to her sharpened skills from international touring.[39] The album's focus on timeless repertoire was lauded for blending familiarity with fresh vocalese elements, such as in "Nostalgia," where Joy's poetic phrasing added contemporary flair.[39] Critics frequently commended Joy's exceptional vocal control, particularly on ballads, where her "full technical mastery and dazzling rhythmic verve" shone through.[40] All About Jazz described it as "a beautiful recording of timeless standards," emphasizing her mature interpretive depth unusual for a 22-year-old artist.[40] Similarly, Jazzwise awarded four stars and Editor's Choice status, spotlighting the "incredibly beautiful timbre" and emotional power in "Someone to Watch Over Me," accompanied solely by guitarist Pasquale Grasso.[24] The band's chemistry was another standout, with Grasso's "exhilarating" solos and the rhythm section's swing providing seamless support across tracks.[24] While the album's all-standards selection drew minor critiques for lacking original compositions, this was often viewed as a strength in honoring jazz tradition rather than a flaw.[39] DownBeat called it "a breakout Verve debut" and "a beautiful recording," positioning Joy as "a voice for the future."[9]Audience and industry response
Upon its release, Linger Awhile garnered strong streaming uptake among jazz enthusiasts and demonstrated significant engagement within the genre's core audience.[3] The album also generated positive social media buzz, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where clips of Joy's vocal performances attracted thousands of views and interactions, helping to introduce her interpretations of jazz standards to younger listeners.[41] Industry peers and institutions responded favorably, with Joy performing selections from the album at Jazz at Lincoln Center in late 2022, showcasing her rising prominence in live jazz settings.[9] In the 2023 DownBeat Critics Poll, Linger Awhile was voted the top jazz album of the year, affirming its impact among professionals and critics in the field.[42] The album sparked cultural discussions about revitalizing interest in female jazz vocalists, positioning Joy as a contemporary successor to icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan through her emotive delivery of classic standards.[41] It also fueled conversations on the role of standards versus original compositions in modern jazz, with Joy's modern twists on timeless tunes highlighting a balance that appealed beyond traditional listeners, aided by streaming algorithms on platforms like Spotify that exposed the music to non-jazz audiences.[43]Commercial performance
Chart positions
"Linger Awhile" achieved significant success on jazz-specific charts following its release in September 2022, particularly after Samara Joy's Grammy wins in February 2023, which propelled the album to the top of several rankings. In the United States, the album debuted at number 158 on the Billboard 200 chart (dated February 18, 2023, tracking the week ending February 9) with 8,500 album-equivalent units.[44] On the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, it ascended from number 3 to number 1 in the same week and maintained the top position for multiple weeks spanning late 2022 and 2023, while also topping the Traditional Jazz Albums chart.[44] The album sustained a presence in the top 10 of the Jazz Albums chart throughout much of 2023.[3] Internationally, the album performed strongly in jazz categories as well. It reached number 1 on the UK Jazz & Blues Albums chart and number 2 on the French Jazz Albums chart in 2022-2023.[3] The album continued to chart intermittently in 2024–2025, including a re-entry on the UK Jazz & Blues Albums chart in August 2025.[45]| Chart (2022–2023) | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 158 | Billboard |
| US Billboard Jazz Albums | 1 | Billboard |
| US Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums | 1 | Billboard |
| UK Jazz & Blues Albums | 1 | All About Jazz |
| French Jazz Albums | 2 | All About Jazz |