Sam Payne’s contemporary folk recordings and live performances have established him among the premier acts of the Intermountain West and beyond. Playing to audiences large and small, as a solo act or with his band The Sam Payne Project, Payne has brought his peculiar jazz-inflected folk tunes to halls in Canada, Bulgaria, Tokyo, and from coast to coast in the United States.
Payne also writes and produces for radio, and his clients have included Glenn Beck, the popular syndicated radio and television host. Payne is the program director for YourLDSradio.com, the popular online home for contemporary LDS music, and the creator of the Radio Family Journal, a widely-broadcast radio segment featuring thoughts on family and faith.
Find more information about Sam and his work at www.sampayne.com
“Let’s talk about storytelling: Sam Payne is a master at it.”
–Carma Wadley, Deseret News
“Listening to the lyrics–that song about his grandfather; Holy Cow! Some of the best lyrics I’ve ever heard.”
–Glenn Beck, the Glenn Beck Program
“Hence, as a public service to anyone who enjoys thoughtful, energertic, jazz-inflected folk — and even to people who think “jazz-inflected folk” sounds iffy, but who enjoy a good guitar sound and strong vocals — I am opening the bag, and letting out the cat: Sam Payne rocks.”
–Cody Clark, The Daily Herald
“He’s one of the best in his field … the consummate performer. The connection he makes with people onstage or in person is a rare thing that many artists don’t have the ability to do.”
–Earl Madsen, Sounds of Zion
“The songwriting is fun, sublime, and masterful. The lyrics are poetic and profound. There are life lessons hidden in his songs, and when found they are more powerful than just stating the truth. More true than truth. Highly, highly recommended.”
–Tim Jones, Deseretbook.com
“Payne delivers his riveting folktales with passion, emotionally stirring hooks, and an almost supernatural ability to tell a story.”
–Kevin Jones, “The Independent” magazine
“Payne is one of those few musicians who can successfully combine both songwriting and stage performing. He can write poignant and meaningful lyrics, combine them with a melodic hook, and perform them in a voice that makes you want to close your eyes and drift away.”
–The Spectrum
