Sami Stevens Quintet

Singer-songwriter Sami Stevens leads her quintet in an intimate evening exploring the intersection of jazz, soul, and folk songwriting. Known for her dynamic vocal range and ability to "evoke visceral reactions by simply singing a note," Stevens creates what critics call "a musical world based in silence" — emotionally resonant original compositions with literary depth.

Stevens accompanies herself on piano and Wurlitzer, delivering what Glide Magazine called "heaven-sent vocals" and "empathic pieces of poetry." Her 2023 debut album Morning on Sunnyside Records established her as "one of the most promising songwriters to appear in the past few years," blending folk-inspired songwriting with sophisticated jazz orchestrations. The New England Conservatory graduate brings both jazz performance training and psychology studies to her empathetic songwriting that explores the full spectrum of human emotions.

A frequent collaborator with nine-time Grammy winner Norah Jones and saxophonist Kazemde George, Stevens takes "complete control of the stage" in performance, balancing intimate solo moments with collaborative ensemble work. Her music draws from the lineage of great American singer-songwriters of the '60s and '70s, with influences ranging from Carole King to Sarah Vaughan.

The quintet features Bay Area jazz talents including guitarist Kai Lyons, known for his work in contemporary jazz and world music traditions, bassist Giulio Xavier Cetto, who blends jazz with hip-hop influences, and drummer Jaycie Grady, whose style bridges bebop tradition with contemporary innovation. The expanded ensemble format allows Stevens' compositions to breathe with richer arrangements while maintaining the listening-room intimacy that defines her artistry.