Sachal Vasandani: Eyes Wide Open

Time was when a young good looking velvet-voiced male vocalist equally proficient in the jazz and pop genres had it made. While that is certainly no longer true, Eyes Wide Open reminds why that was the case. This is no nostalgia trip however, and although there are a couple of Strayhorn and Jobim tunes, the session is, in fact, very contemporary.

Born in Chicago and now a fulltime NYC resident, Vasandani has found many cozy NYC venues that are custom-made for his persona and warm vocals. His vocal quality and phrasing is very engaging and remind a bit of pop superstar John Mayer. In fact, songs like "Naked as We Came, whose lyric provides the CD's titular inspiration, with its catchy piano, guitar breaks and relaxed mood, could be quite at home on the pop charts. The trio—bassist David Wong, drummer Quincy Davis and keyboardist Jeb Patton—are well acquainted with each other and do not stray far from these melodies. The guests, that include vibraphonist Stefon Harris, trumpeter Marcus Printup and guitarist Doug Wamble, provide the most frank improvisation. Harris adds touching augmentation, Printup lends his beautifully bluesy horn and Wamble seems perfectly suited for the more ostensibly pop arrangements.

Three originals also showcase writing skills that are as immediately appealing as Vasandani's voice: "Send 'Em Up to Heaven is a Latin-tinged 9/11 paean that has Harris adding an uplifting turn, "Please Mr. Oglivy is a highly personal appeal that will resonate with independent artists everywhere and "Storybook Fiction is a beautifully intimate kismet love fantasy. Stylistically, the band is the perfect match for Vasandani's arresting voice and with producer John Clayton (Diana Krall and Michael Bublé) this all comes together for a session which is most pleasing jazz/pop for the young generation.