NYC-based jazz/folk/pop priestess and singer-songwriter Joelle Bensaïd, who most recently released her debut album Dry Spells, has curated an inspiration-laden playlist, filled with the soothing sounds of Bensaïd’s antique and contemporary musical muses. The UWS native grew up surrounded by women – her mother, aunts, and grandma – who guided her tender spirit and would sing and dance to the likes of Stevie Nicks, Paul Simon, and Judee Sill around the home. Bensaïd studied jazz in college, regularly sings at snazzy venues like Da Milio, Scarlet Lounge, and Drom, and parties with the friendly local indie scene. She’s currently embracing a delightful postpartum, since the release of her long-awaited first LP on Jan. 27. She spent over two years honing her craft, pouring her gypsy heart and sweetheart soul into writing and creating Dry Spells, along with the help of her all-star band. It’s an elegantly produced body of work, brimming with evocative lyricism, sultry charm, and nods to her timeless, classic influences. An intertwining of reflections of past lovers and the harnessing of feminine power, Dry Spells is a record just as much of Joelle’s life experience as it is a modern take on love-riddled storytelling.
Deemed “songs I think people should know<3,” enjoy this listening of Joelle’s favorite oldies and underground contemporaries, and take a peek into the musical world and mind of Lady Bensaïd. (And you must listen to Dry Spells.)
A Playlist by Joelle Bensaïd Tracklist
1. “Heaven Knows” – Lesley Duncan [Released 1975]
2. “Sable on Blond” – Stevie Nicks [Released 1983]
3. “Twin Flame” – Joelle Bensaïd [Released 2026]
4. “Just Like This Train” – Joni Mitchell [Released 1974]
5. “Somebody New ” – Blossom Dearie [Released 1973]
6. “Ghir Enta” – Souad Massi [Released 2003]
7. “One of Us Cannot Be Wrong” – Leonard Cohen [Released 1967]
8. “Woman” – Dane Donohue [Released 1978]
9. “Let It Go” – Pages [Released 1978]
10. “The Peacocks” – Cécile McLoren Salvant [Released 2018]
11. “The One” – Reggie Pearl [Released 2023]
12. “Always The Horse, Never The Jockey” – Cleo Reed, IWEWE [Released 2025]
13. “Take Two” – Madison Cunningham [Released 2025]
14. “I am the same as you” – Huxley Kuhlmann [Released 2026]
15. “Save Your Love For Me” – Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley [Released 1962]
16. “Lopin’ Along Thru the Cosmos” – Judee Sill [Released 1971]
17. “Jamais je ne t’ai dit que je t’aimerai toujours” – Jeanne Moreau [Released 1967]
18. “Lucky To Be Me” – Bill Evans [Released 1959]
19. “Magic” – Piero Piccioni [Released 1969]
20. “Play The Music” – The Army, The Navy [Released 2024]