Read our reviews of new material from Samara Joy, Danny Toeman, Le BAHO, and Wendy Moten!

Samara Joy – ‘Can’t Get Out of This Mood’

Hailing from the Bronx, New York City, Samara Joy took home the trophy at the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition back in 2019 while still a college student. You can hear why in her exquisitely-phrased cover of  jazz standard ‘Can’t Get Out of This Mood’ (recorded by Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone and others), trailing the upcoming release of her first album with new labelmates Verve Records.

Danny Toeman – ‘When the Lights Go Down’

Again, King of North London Soul Danny Toeman shows his natural ability to channel the soulful melodies of yesteryear with funk-disco-soul hybrid tune ‘When the Lights Go Down’ – co-written with David Albury, currently starring as Bob Marley in West End show Get Up, Stand Up.

Le BAHO – ‘Next to Me’

Swiss musician Le BAHO (Bastien Horisberger) takes inspiration from contemporary neo-soul artists such as Jordan Rakei, Daniel Caesar, and Tom Misch. ‘Next to Me’, his second single after 2021’s ‘Window’, showcases his crisp production skills. “I wrote this song for those who hate to see their lover walk out the door in the morning,” Le BAHO says about the tune. 

Wendy Moten – ‘As’

Best known for her single ‘Come In Out of the Rain’ (1992), Wendy Moten competed on the 21st season of The Voice (US), finishing as runner-up. Riding off the momentum of her TV stint and the belated recognition of her vocal talents, Moten has recorded a version of Stevie Wonder’s ‘As’. It is a well-arranged and serviceable rendition, but doesn’t quite capture the range of Moten’s instrument.