säje

 https://sajevoices.com

The double GRAMMY®️ nominated vocal supergroup, säje (rhymes with “beige”), is the brainchild of vocalist/composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Born out of close friendship and deep admiration, these world-renowned artists, composers, and arrangers have come together to explore, create, and celebrate the music that moves them. As individuals, each artist has crafted their own notable solo career, and now are delighted to bring their collective voices to this union, traversing a vast array of compelling original material, beloved jazz standards, and contemporary re-imaginings (The Bad Plus, YEBBA, Björk, etc).

After debuting an inspiring and energized set at the 2020 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, säje went on to tour multiple jazz festivals and clubs from January to March. During quarantine, säje received their first GRAMMY®️ nomination, for their composition “Desert Song” in the Best Arrangement Instruments and Vocals category. They were awarded
the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Award for their second composition “Wisteria”, as well as their first Jazz Journalists Association Award Nomination for “Best Vocal Jazz Group”.

The collective also recently received gracious support for their continued work through the Chamber Music of America New Jazz Works grant, the Super Patron Grant, the Jazz Road Creative Residencies grant, and the USC Visions + Voices grant. Their highly anticipated debut album was released in August of 2023, featuring new original work and compelling covers, highlighting collaborations with artists Jacob Collier, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ambrose Akinmusire, and more.

The album was received to critical acclaim, and wide reception, landing a #2 spot on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart, peaking at #4 on the iTunes Jazz Chart, and landing a GRAMMY®️ nomination for their collaboration with Jacob Collier, “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning”. The union of säje is rooted in the tradition of joy, curiosity, lush harmony, heart-felt expression, and profound sisterhood.

All Sessions by säje

  • Friday


  • Friday  - 20:00
    The double GRAMMY®️ nominated vocal supergroup, säje (rhymes with “beige”), is the brainchild of vocalist/composers Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Born out of close friendship and deep admiration, these world-renowned artists, composers, and arrangers have come together to explore, create, and celebrate the music that moves them. As individuals, each artist has crafted their own notable solo career, and now are delighted to bring their collective voices to this union, traversing a vast array of compelling original material, beloved jazz standards, and contemporary re-imaginings (The Bad Plus, YEBBA, Björk, etc).
    Concerts

  • Saturday


  • 10:15  - 12:00
    This hands-on session explores the collaborative approach to rehearsing the music of säje with intention, clarity, and musical curiosity. Together, the groups members will guide participants through strategies for developing ensemble cohesion, shaping phrasing, navigating complex harmony, groove, and cultivating a shared musical language. Through demonstration, interactive exercises, and open discussion, participants will gain practical tools for elevating their own rehearsals -- whether leading a group, singing in a small ensemble, or preparing for performance.
    Workshops
    Where
    RAMA Kammermusiksalen

  • 14:15  - 16:00
    Join all four members of säje for a joyful, immersive workshop focused on singing together and exploring the group’s signature arrangements from the inside out. Participants will learn one säje arrangement, diving into blend, vocal color, lyric interpretation, and ensemble communication. The workshop blends rehearsal, demonstration, and shared music-making, offering singers a rare opportunity to experience the warmth, unity, and creative play that define säje’s sound.
    Workshops




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säje