SACHAL VASANDANI

Sachal Vasandani is recognized for his singular voice, with a tone and unique phrasing that mark him as one of today’s most compelling voices Thoroughly rooted in jazz, Sachal has the swagger to front swinging big bands and the vulnerability to present definitive takes of classic ballads His deeply creative approach to improvisation across changes and time signatures is truly unique, and he has come to be regarded as one of the eminent improvisers of his generation.��

Sachal will be releasing a new, highly personal album in 2018 via the GSI label.. The album showcases some of today’s top players and presents classic standards with an unmistakably modern vibe.

His groundbreaking 2015 release Slow Motion Miracles (produced by Steely Dan’s Michael Leonhart and released on Sony/Okeh), highlights his original compositions - fantastic melodies in a fresh style inflected with popular music. He has three prior recordings with the Mack Avenue label, and his 2011 release, Hi-Fly, reached #1 on the iTunes Jazz charts. It was produced by John Clayton and features vocal legend, Jon Hendricks.

Sachal has been touring clubs (i.e., Blue Note, Ronnie Scott’s), theaters (Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall) and festivals (North Sea, Nice Jazz) consistently since 2007. When he’s not leading his own groups, he has performed alongside jazz’s statesmen including Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Milton Nascimento, Bill Charlap, Michael Feinstein, and many others. He is also an in-demand lyricist and composer and has collaborated with numerous artists worldwide in a range of styles and genres; he has two compositions on Gerald Clayton’s album Life Forum, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2013.
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A preeminent educator, Sachal bridges a strong technical foundation, disciplined, immersive jazz study, and an openness to embrace compelling music of all styles. Through his workshops, classes, and lessons at multiple institutions and performing arts centers around the globe, he has honed a style of teaching that is as encouraging as it is thorough. He currently serves as the Coordinator of Jazz Vocal Studies at Temple University in Philadelphia.