säje
Säje (/seʒ/; stylized in lowercase as säje) is an American vocal quartet. The group won a 2024 Grammy Award for its debut album.
History
[edit]The group, composed of Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick and Amanda Taylor, originated with a 2018 Seattle concert of Taylor's vocal ensemble Groove for Thought in which Gazarek was a featured artist. After the concert, the two discussed the idea of forming their own project and decided to invite the Los Angeles-based Bentlage and Kendrick.[1][2] All four members gathered initially during a 2019 session in Palm Springs intended to explore the possibility of collaboration. The weekend ended with the composition of the single "Desert Song," which Bentlage described as inspired by "oh my God this is what it feels like to be creating with feminine energy in a beautifully accepted form.”[3][4]
They began performing together in 2020, debuting at the Jazz Education Network conference.[5] In 2023, säje embarked on its first extensive tour to promote its debut album.[3]
The ensemble has been described as a supergroup; its members are each established as solo artists, with appearances alongside The Manhattan Transfer, Chanticleer and Jacob Collier.[6][7]
"Säje" is an acronym of the four members' first names.[8]
Sound
[edit]Säje has been noted for touching a wide range of styles, including contemporary jazz, pop, folk, blues and soul music.[8][9] Its original songs are known to comment on social issues.[5] Each member's vocal take is often doubled, creating a more expansive sonority.[1] WBGO's Leo Sidran writes that säje's style is "technically challenging to execute—suspended chords and interweaving lines—and very satisfying to experience."[2]
Discography
[edit]In 2021, the group released a single, "Dust Baby," with Gerald Clayton.[10]
The group's debut album, säje, was released in 2023, featuring collaborations with Jacob Collier, Ambrose Akinmusire, Terri Lyne Carrington and Michael Mayo, among others.[6] Its recording was hampered by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and the difficulties of remote collaboration; the group eventually rented an Airbnb in Palm Springs, California and outfitted it as a recording studio.[1] The album landed at #2 on the Billboard contemporary jazz chart.[11]
Awards
[edit]In 2021, säje was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals for "Desert Song"; the award went to Jacob Collier.[3] With Collier, the group won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals for "In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning" from their debut album.[12]
The group received 2025 Grammy Award nominations for its arrangements of "Silent Night" and "Alma."[13]
The group won the grand prize for the 2020 John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the folk category.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Peterson, Blake (2024-04-08). "Fresh from a Grammy Win, säje Looks Ahead". 425 Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
- ^ a b Sidran, Leo (2024-02-08). "säje on their Grammy-winning song and the emotional space that feminine energy allows". WBGO. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
- ^ a b c Gilbert, Andrew (2023-10-13). "After surprise Grammy nomination, säje takes the next step". The Mercury News. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ Hendler, Micah (2021-04-29). "The Women's Vocal Jazz Supergroup That's Redefining The Rules". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ a b Campbell, Katie; Murphy, Patricia (2024-02-09). "More than a Grammy: Big win for säje is a triumph for Seattle's indie music voices". KUOW. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ a b Feibel, Adam (2023-09-28). "Vocal supergroup säje shines on debut album". JAZZ.FM91. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ Benedict, David (September 2023). "For the Record: säje". Earshot Magazine. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ a b Teel, Eric (2021-08-18). "#NowPlaying: säje, 'Wisteria'". NPR. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ Beeson, Abe (2023-11-06). "Vocal quartet säje launches their first tour in the KNKX studios". KNKX Public Radio. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ Beeson, Abe (2021-11-04). "The New Cool: säje looks to arrange another Grammy nomination". KNKX Public Radio. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ Zellner, Xander (2023-09-07). "10 First-Timers on Billboard's Charts This Week: Buck Meek, Juju". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ Cusanelli, Michael (2024-02-05). "Vermont native and jazz musician wins first Grammy Award". WPTZ. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ Willman, Chris (2024-11-08). "Grammy Nominations 2025: Beyonce Leads With 11 Nods as Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX Are Among Top Nominees". Variety. Retrieved 2024-11-16.
- ^ "säje awarded grand prize in John Lennon songwriting contest". USC Thornton School of Music. 2021-07-26. Retrieved 2024-02-23.