Sachal Vasandani: Best Life Now, Stripped Back

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In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with vocalist and songwriter Sachal Vasandani. Known for a voice that critics call "transfixing," Sachal has collaborated with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Bobby McFerrin.

Sachal discusses his latest project, Best Life Now, and the surprising journey of taking that album—originally produced with deep grooves by drummer Nate Smith—and stripping it back to its raw, acoustic essentials. We dive into his philosophy on jazz improvisation, his "brush your teeth" approach to vocal discipline, and how he navigates the confusing headspace of post-pandemic life through song.

In this episode, we cover: The Ella Effect: How listening to Ella Fitzgerald taught him to find new "nooks and crannies" in songs he has sung thousands of times; The Acoustic Pivot: Why a logistical travel snag turned into a creative breakthrough for his Acoustic Sessions EP; Lyrical Tension: The story behind the title track "Best Life Now" and why living your "best life" isn't always as simple as it sounds; Teaching Jazz: Sachal's unique philosophy on balancing technical discipline with the freedom to break the rules.

Playlist

• Sachal Vasandani "Best Life Now" from Best Life Now & Acoustic Sessions EP (Patron Saint Records)
• Sachal Vasandani "Too Easy" from Best Life Now & Acoustic Sessions EP (Patron Saint Records)

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