Samantha Rae Bowers is the frontwoman of the amiable act Sammy Rae & The Friends. The ‘Friends’ are guitarist William Leet, bassist James Quinlan, keyboardist Debbie Tjong Yan Ping, drummer Santiago Chiriboga and saxophonists Kellon Anderson and Maxmillan Zooi. The members consider themselves a group of friends, – family even – rather than just a band. However, that doesn't detract from the fact that they are really making a name for themselves as musicians – especially through friends and word-of-mouth advertising, which is generating a solid following for them. After successfully touring the US in 2023, their long-awaited debut album will be released this year, along with the single Coming Home Song. This summer they will cross the ocean for the first time to perform at NN North Sea Jazz, where we’re certain their infectious mix of folk, pop and jazz will win them quite a few new friends.
