Samara Joy
's Grammy-winning sophomore album, 2022's
Linger Awhile
, gets another look with 2023's
Linger Awhile Longer
. The winner of the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Jazz Competition,
Joy
garnered widespread acclaim with
, taking home the Grammys for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best New Artist. A companion to that original album,
spotlights all of the bonus material included with the deluxe version of
, playing as a somewhat more intimate and stripped-down version. Here, we get several ebullient duets with pianist
Gerald Clayton
, including renditions of "Can't Get out of This Mood," "Sweet Pumpkin," and "Guess Who I Saw Today." There's also a trio take on "Guess Who I Saw Today" that is as good as the one included on the original album. In addition,
pairs with pianist
Ben Paterson
for a lyrical reading of "I'm Afraid (Of Loving You Too Much)" that, as with all of
, showcases all the technical vocal virtuosity and golden age jazz romanticism that has made
such a compelling performer. ~ Matt Collar