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Poised to cross multiple music genres, Sachal Vasandani’s Mack Avenue debut release Eyes Wide Open showcases this
uniquely gifted vocalist and songwriter who combines skillful, diverse writing with a flair for infusing the familiar with the fresh.
"Sachal Vasandani's singing reveals emotion and intellect," says Wynton Marsalis. "Versed in the blues, standards, and modern jazz... his sound is consistent and unique."
The New York Times tags him "debonair" and critics describe his performances as "Red-hot - the finest young talent on the scene” possessing “a stunning and moving voice.”
In addition, Vasandani's live performances have generated appreciation and praise from peers worldwide.
Sachal Vasandani was born in Chicago and grew up in a household where all kinds of music was appreciated, from western and Indian classical to the pop
of the day including Michael Jackson and the Beatles. His parents also listened to jazz-from Ellington to
Keith Jarrett-which piqued Vasandani's curiosity about the music.
At the University of Michigan, in addition to majoring in economics, he earned degrees in jazz and classical music.
He was named Collegiate Jazz Vocalist of the year by DownBeat in 1999, after which he moved to New York to pursue a career as a singer.
In 2001 he formed his own group, a four-member ensemble that includes Jeb Patton, piano, David Wong, bass and Quincy Davis, drums. Alongside luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Heath, Eric Reed, T.S. Monk, Etta Jones, Tom Harrell,
Regina Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Green, Peter Bernstein, Wess Anderson and
many others, they have - both collectively and individually - performed at many of the major venues in America and abroad.
In September 2004, Vasandani was a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk Institute Competition and immediately thereafter embarked on his second tour of Europe, being touted as having "One of the best male voices in the world." During 2005/2006
returned to Europe, and added Russia, Eastern Europe, and Asia to his itinerary.
Eyes Wide Open will be released in early April 2007. It was produced by John Clayton (Diana Krall, Paul Anka, Michael Buble) and features Sachal
and his trio with guests Stefon Harris (vibraphone and marimba), Marcus Printup (trumpet) and Doug Wamble (guitar). His earlier recordings as a leader include Land and Sea and Bring on the
Sirens, both self released. As a guest he has recorded with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Sean Jones, Eric Lewis, Pyeng Threadgill, and others.
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