Candice Hoyes Honors Black Ancestry Through Jazz with ‘Far Away Star’
Candice Hoyes
Candice Hoyes, based in Harlem, is shining bright with her latest release, ‘Far Away Star‘. In this collaboration with GRAMMY-winning artist Ted Nash, Hoyes shows her knack for blending classic jazz with contemporary influences. Her unique style shines through in this track, where her crystalline soprano takes center stage, accompanied by soulful New Orleans horns that add depth and warmth.
Candice is a member of the all-female jazz trio Nite Bjuti, lighting up stages at Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center. She’s also hit Carnegie Hall and wowed audiences in Paris and London, proving her versatility and charm.
‘Far Away Star’ reflects on Black ancestral history and the importance of free expression. Hoyes penned the lyrics herself, drawing inspiration from a Swedish traditional song recorded by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra with vocalist Alice Babs, paying homage to the jazz legend while connecting past and present. Critics have taken notice, with praise flowing in from outlets like NPR, Vogue, and BBC. Gilles Peterson from BBC Radio 6 even described her upcoming album as “brilliant,” underscoring the excitement surrounding her work.
Recognized for her contributions to music and culture, Candice Hoyes was awarded the 2025 Du Bois Fellowship, and so she continues carving out a distinct space in the jazz landscape as a new-generation artist keeping the fires going. In ‘Far Away Star’, she weaves a wistful narrative about Black ancestral history, free expression, and what it means to belong to a global diaspora and beyond.