Biography
Säje, an all-women vocal quartet, have earned recognition for a harmonized approach that blends subtlety and delicacy, informed by the members’ individual foundations in jazz, folk, classical, and modern creative improvisation. Their initial release, the 2020 single “Desert Song,” drew immediate praise and secured a Grammy nomination; the same lyrical piece later appeared on the quartet’s self-titled full-length album, issued in 2023.
The ensemble came together in 2019, uniting Los Angeles-based vocalists Sara Gazarek and Erin Bentlage with Seattle-based vocalists Johnaye Kendrick and Amanda Taylor. Before the group’s formation, each singer had already established a reputation as a skilled and respected solo performer. Early on, the four embarked on joint creative sessions, one of which took place during an intensive gathering in Palm Springs that produced the material for “Desert Song.” Their first public performance occurred in January 2020 at the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, after which a series of additional concerts steadily increased their visibility.
Wider notice arrived in 2021 when “Desert Song” received a nomination for Best Arrangement, Instrument and Vocals at the 63rd Grammy Awards. Further recognition followed that year with the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Award for the group’s second original piece, “Wisteria,” as well as a nomination for Best Vocal Jazz Group at the Jazz Journalists Association Awards. In 2023 the quartet released their debut album, Säje, which featured support from drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, saxophonist Daniel Rotem, bassist Ben Williams, and pianist Dawn Clement. Along with a studio recording of “Desert Song,” the album included interpretations of material by the Bad Plus, Michael Kiwanuka, and the Beatles.
The ensemble came together in 2019, uniting Los Angeles-based vocalists Sara Gazarek and Erin Bentlage with Seattle-based vocalists Johnaye Kendrick and Amanda Taylor. Before the group’s formation, each singer had already established a reputation as a skilled and respected solo performer. Early on, the four embarked on joint creative sessions, one of which took place during an intensive gathering in Palm Springs that produced the material for “Desert Song.” Their first public performance occurred in January 2020 at the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, after which a series of additional concerts steadily increased their visibility.
Wider notice arrived in 2021 when “Desert Song” received a nomination for Best Arrangement, Instrument and Vocals at the 63rd Grammy Awards. Further recognition followed that year with the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Award for the group’s second original piece, “Wisteria,” as well as a nomination for Best Vocal Jazz Group at the Jazz Journalists Association Awards. In 2023 the quartet released their debut album, Säje, which featured support from drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, saxophonist Daniel Rotem, bassist Ben Williams, and pianist Dawn Clement. Along with a studio recording of “Desert Song,” the album included interpretations of material by the Bad Plus, Michael Kiwanuka, and the Beatles.
Albums
Singles
