Samara Joy performs Duke Ellington's "Le Sucrier Velours" | Salt Lick Sessions: Songs of U.S.

Samara Joy performs “Le Sucrier Velours” for "Songs of U.S." Performed by: Samara Joy @samarajoysings (vocals); Evan Sherman @evanshermanmusic (drums); Cameron Campbell @mellotones (piano); Martin Jaffe @mjaffebass (bass); Nanami Haruta @nanamiharuta (trombone); Jason Charos @jasoncharos (trumpet); David Mason @masondavidmason (saxophone/flute); Kendric McCallister @kendricmcc (saxophone) Written and originally performed by: Duke Ellington (Samara Joy original lyrics) ‪@samarajoysings‬   / samarajoysings     / samarajoysings   https://open.spotify.com/artist/5LkbT... https://www.samarajoy.com Watch the rest of Samara Joy’s Songs of U.S. session: Interview:    • Samara Joy Interview | Salt Lick Sessions:...   “Stablemates”:    • Samara Joy performs Benny Golson's "Stable...   “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most”:    • Samara Joy performs "Spring Can Really Han...   Filmed exclusively for Songs of U.S. at PowerStation at BerkleeNYC (@powerstationatberkleenyc) in New York, NY, on June 28, 2026. Salt Lick Sessions presents “Songs of U.S.”, a performance and conversation video series bringing together artists from across the American musical landscape to reinterpret songs that have shaped the country’s cultural identity and ask what belongs in the American songbook today. The series pairs exclusive live performances with artist conversations exploring identity, protest, belonging, history, and the evolving story of America through music. Across each artist rollout, participating musicians perform a traditional American song alongside a contemporary work they believe belongs within its evolving future. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Songs of U.S. approaches the moment as an opportunity for reflection, conversation, and creative reinterpretation. Drawing from folk, jazz, Americana, country, soul, and pop traditions, the series revisits iconic works while spotlighting voices and perspectives historically excluded from traditional definitions of the canon. Each performance and conversation was filmed exclusively for the series at locations across the country. Together, the releases form an ongoing musical conversation about memory, reinvention, tradition, and cultural exchange, exploring how artists across generations continue to shape and redefine American music in real time. New artist releases and content will roll out throughout the summer. Salt Lick Sessions are part of Salt Lick Incubator, a nonprofit artist development organization supporting musicians in their creative journeys. To learn more, donate, sign up for eNews, apply for an artist grant, or apply to appear on a future session, please visit https://www.saltlickincubator.org. Subscribe and discover new artists all summer. Go behind the scenes and catch sneak previews:   / saltlicksessions   A Salt Lick Sessions Production Producers: Roger Brown, Liza Levy, Nicole Izzo Mlynczak Directed by: Jailbird Pictures (Jeremy Zelikovic, @jailbird_pictures) Video Crew: Mike Moore and Simon Yu Recording Engineer: Angie Teo Mix Engineer: Hope Brush Audio Crew: Elizabeth Scott and Jenna Beaudoin Front of House / Production Manager: Kelvin Grant SLI Coordinators: Wes Chalfant and Charlotte Scully Recorded at PowerStation at BerkleeNYC (@powerstationatberkleenyc) · Studio Manager: Hayley Isaacson · Technical Manager: Ben Miller