SACHAL VASANDANI with The JUSTIN VARNES Trio ~ The MAGIC of Nat King Cole

“A bright young singer with charisma to spare” – the New York Times
“Red-hot…the finest young talent on the scene.” – Jazz at Lincoln Center
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’s new record, due out in Spring 2018, is titled “SHADOW TRAIN”.
These renditions of modern jazz compositions – such as Abbey Lincoln’s “Throw it Away”, and Bill Evans’ “Very Early” – are stripped to their most raw and vulnerable state. The recording showcases phenomenal musicianship and features some of today’s leading players including Taylor Eigsti, Nir Felder, Eric Harland, Reuben Rogers, and Dayna Stephens. By focusing their collective energy on the spirit – an endless drive towards openness – the group manages to honor tradition without being stifled by it.
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.
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.
 
 
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, JUSTIN VARNES studied music at the University of North Florida. After a brief stint with the Noel Freidline Quintet, Mr. Varnes relocated to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in jazz studies at the New School. In New York, Justin toured for six years with vocalist Phoebe Snow, with whom he performed on the Roseanne Barr Show, as well as National Public Radio’s “World Cafe” (he would later perform on “World Cafe” with pop group “Five for Fighting”). He also performed with Phoebe at Madison Square Garden, where he played alongside singers Jewel and Paula Cole.
Mr. Varnes has performed with several jazz greats in New York, including: Ben Wolfe (Harry Connick, Jr.), Aaron Goldberg (Joshua Redman), Wessell Anderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Printup, Steve Kirby (Cyrus Chestnut), Peter Bernstein, and Eric Lewis (Wynton Marsalis).
Currently residing in Atlanta, Mr. Varnes performs regularly with the Christian Tamburr Quartet, as well as Bob Reynolds, Kevin Bales, Joe Gransden and Gary Motley. Justin is also a top call sideman for touring artists through Atlanta. He has performed with Vincent Herring, Kevin Hays, Victor Goines and recently has been tapped for some work with Earl Klugh.
 
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