Sara Magnúsdóttir

Icelandic jazz Hammond organist Sara Magnúsdóttir brings an exciting new voice to the Hammond Organ, blending nordic lyricism with deep grooves and a soulful touch - all tied together by her background in the jazz tradition.

Growing up in a small Icelandic village with a fascination for jazz lead her to her studies in the US. During her college years, she discovered a deep pull towards the Hammond organ, its power and soulful sound. Taught by veteran organist Mike LeDonne, Sara was inspired to say the least. After finishing her BM in Jazz Performance from William Paterson University, she went on to get a MM in Jazz composition and arranging, building on her other big passion of big band music. 

Since her early 20s, Sara has been a vibrant presence in both in Reykjavík and NYC’s jazz scene, and featured in a variety of bands and projects, such as Reykjavik Big Band and with Sigurður Flosason. 

As for her big band career, Sara has had her compositions performed by professional big bands in both Iceland and the U.S and has received commissions and grants for her work. She has notably arranged a big band piece for jazz legend Joe Lovano in 2024.

Now stepping forward as a bandleader, Sara releases her debut album A Place to Bloom, in August 2025 with a premiere at Reykjavik Jazz Festival. The album is a reflection on wanderlust, identity and needing to find home in many places.

Sara is joined by some of Iceland’s most accomplished jazz musicians: Jóel Pálsson on tenor saxophone, Andrés Thor Gunnlaugsson on guitar, Einar Scheving on drums and Tumi Torfason on trumpet.

Her first single is out on May 23rd and is called Heima.

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