Sachal Vasandani
Eyes Wide Open
Mack Avenue

Vocalist Sachal Vasandani's debut release could be easily better titled "Ears Wide Open", as his selection of material comes from as wide a range as Sade, Jobim, Ellington and even the alt-rock band Iron & Wine. On all of these selections, and on well of his own compostitions, his voice is warm, friendly, and assured as well as assuring. Vasandani's treatment "Naked as We Came" fits quite well into the hip jazz scene. The Sinatra associated "September in the Rain" could be in the ipod of either a college coed or Baby Boomer, with Vasandani's timber and timing is hip and relaxed.The forward driving "Send 'em Up" includes some stunning vibes work by Stefon Harris, and the entire disc includes excellent support by the likes of Jeb Patton (Piano), David Wong (Bass) and Quincy Davis (Drums). A semi-finalist in the 2004 Thelonious Monk Institute Competition, Vasandani has put together a disc that throws another good fitting hat into the crooners' ring.


-George W. Harris