Sachal Vasandani

"A bright young singer with charisma to spare” (The New York Times), Sachal Vasandani is a magnetic vocalist whose artistry bridges jazz tradition and contemporary innovation, making him one of the most compelling voices on today’s scene. Born in Chicago and trained in both jazz and classical music at the University of Michigan, Vasandani first captured attention as DownBeat magazine’s Collegiate Jazz Vocalist of the Year in 1999. Since then, he’s built a globe-spanning career, collaborating with legends like Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Milton Nascimento, and Bill Charlap, and releasing acclaimed albums such as Eyes Wide Open, We Move, Still Life with pianist Romain Collin, and the boundary-pushing Best Life Now, produced by drumming luminary Nate Smith.

Vasandani’s voice is instantly recognizable—rich, smooth, and expressive, with a unique phrasing that can swing with big bands or deliver ballads with intimate vulnerability. His music seamlessly blends jazz, pop, and R&B, drawing listeners into narratives of romance, heartbreak, and hope, all set to soulful grooves and inventive arrangements. His improvisational creativity and songwriting elevate every performance, while his collaborations with contemporary artists like Gretchen Parlato and Gerald Clayton showcase his stylistic elasticity.

Whether fronting a quintet or performing in duet, Sachal Vasandani delivers a fresh, emotionally resonant experience that represents the contemporary standard for a jazz vocalist.