Evans first heard jazz stylist Nancy Willson on the radio when she was eight years old and fell in love; from that point on she became a fan of jazz. "Nancy had a different approach from most jazz vocalists  that was played on the record player in our home. She had a certain playful, sassy, and soulful approach that I wasn't accustomed to and I found myself wanting to be just like her. So I began to learn every song of hers I could get my hands on."  In the early nineties Samirah found herself close up and personal at one of Wilson's concerts. "I couldn't believe it, I had a front row center seat!  Because I was a radio programmer I had back stage passes and the honor to grab her hand and escort her off the stage. Nancy was and always will be my first and foremost inspiration."

Joining  Evans will be: Ben Kohn - piano, Michael Zsoldos - saxophone, Conor Meehen - drums, guest vocalist - Ethel Lee and surprise special guest bassist! 

"Evans' assets--which make her the toast of pre-Katrina New Orleans--include her sultry, sometimes silken, always smokin' hot vocals and vibrant stage presence."  
-Owen McNally, WNPR Jazz Corridor