Sje | KNKX Studio Session

The vocal quartet säje – Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick and Erin Bentlage – spent an afternoon in the KNKX studios to record an exclusive session as they kicked off their first tour during Seattle’s Earshot Jazz Festival. Several special guests color the group’s self-titled debut album, including singers Michael Mayo and Jacob Collier as well as trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington. This special Studio X performance, though, found the four voices sparsely supported by guitarist Cole Schuster and bassist Michael Glynn. Complex arrangements bring the säje singers together while focusing on the strengths of each musician. This modern vocal combo is a radical modernization of the great vocal groups like Lambert, Hendricks and Ross and the Manhattan Transfer. Performing “Desert Song” for a KNKX studio audience, the first song they wrote together and their first Grammy nomination, säje showed off their unique vocal blend and their collaborative compositional skill. The women followed with an unusual cover of “Storm Comin’” by The Wailin’ Jenny’s that carried tons of blues roots soul. It’s an example of the wide range of styles these singers have loved throughout their lives and the skill they use to make the song their own. As seriously as the singers take this project, they shared a laugh talking about how singing has been a part of their everyday lives. Bentlage noted that her nickname growing up was “chatterbox,” not because she talked a lot, “there was always vocal creation going on!” So have fun listening to this special performance from säje, you won’t need a second listen to marvel at their talent as well. Musicians: Sara Gazarek - vocals Amanda Taylor - vocals Johnaye Kendrick - vocals Erin Bentlage - vocals Cole Schuster - guitar Michael Glynn - bass Songs: 0:00 Desert Song (säje) 4:05 Storm Comin' (Wailin' Jennys) Subscribe to see more jazz performances and concerts from KNKX Public Radio. KNKX On-Demand (Listen to interviews from our Studio Sessions!) 24/7 JAZZ RADIO! FOLLOW US! Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: KNKX Public Radio broadcasts from Seattle & Tacoma, Washington. Listen to us online at #knkx #jazz