The EP opens with “Warm in December,” a lesser-known gem first recorded by Julie London in 1956. Joy delivers a sultry performance, beginning with a delicate piano accompaniment before the rhythm section joins, creating a hopeful and joyful ambiance. This is followed by “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Me,” a Motown holiday tune previously recorded by The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. In this piano-vocal duo, Joy’s smooth, graceful vocals glide effortlessly through her extensive range, squeezing out every last note in service of the lyric.
Joy’s interpretations of “The Christmas Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” are performed with her buttery, rich tone in a soft, sweet, and thoughtful manner that allows her to caress the words with the sentiment of the season. The addition of guitarist Pasquale Grasso on the latter track adds another dimension to the sound, with Grasso’s playing providing a counterpoint to Joy’s singing. Their simpatico understanding fills the space beautifully, culminating in Joy showcasing her range by gliding a few octaves and lingering on a sustained note as the tune ends.
A standout moment is “O Holy Night,” arranged in a gospel choir style featuring The McLendon Family—Joy’s grandfather Goldwire McLendon, her father Antonio McLendon, her uncle, and two cousins. A Hammond B-3 organ serves as the only accompaniment, furthering the gospel feel. The performance begins with Joy and her grandfather in a duet before the entire family joins in a heavenly choir-like harmony, resulting in a stunning rendition.
The EP concludes with a live version of “The Christmas Song,” recorded in December 2022 in Arlington, Massachusetts. This vocal duet between Joy and her father is performed with her touring trio, with her father singing the first verse and Joy taking the second. They then sing together, moving back and forth with each other as the lyrics continue their joyous cheer. This celebratory duet between father and daughter is a highlight of the EP.
A Joyful Holiday is a welcome addition to the canon of Christmas jazz vocals, especially considering Joy’s gospel roots. The first four tracks remind listeners of all the things Joy has already shown she does magnificently, while the final two tracks reveal another side of her artistry, hinting at possible future directions in her musical journey.
Track Listing:
- “Warm in December”
- “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Me”
- “The Christmas Song”
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
- “O Holy Night”
- “The Christmas Song” (Live)
Personnel:
- Samara Joy – vocals
- Sullivan Fortner – piano, Hammond B-3 organ
- Pasquale Grasso – guitar
- David Wong – bass
- Kenny Washington – drums
- The McLendon Family – vocals on “O Holy Night”
A Joyful Holiday not only celebrates the festive season but also highlights Samara Joy’s versatility and deep musical heritage, making it a noteworthy addition to contemporary jazz discography.