One of the most startling artistic revelations to emerge in the past year is vocalist Sachal Vansandani, who made his Mack Avenue Records debut in 2007 with the exceptional CD, Eyes Wide Open. In an era where young male singers believe that trying to channel Frank Sinatra is the play-it-safe road to success, Vasandani instead strikes a chord as an original who evokes integrity as a song stylist. Sept 15, 2009, his new release, We Move, is in the stores; and West Side
Presbyterian Church is lucky to have him perform in the first concert of the church’s new fall jazz concert series.

“Sachal is versed in the blues, standards and modern jazz; nonetheless, his sound is consistent and unique. His singing reveals emotion and intellect; he’s a fine performer.”
- Wynton Marsalis

 

Anne Mette Iversen 3rd release, the double album "Best of the West + Many Places", was released on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records in April 2008. It was followed by a series of concerts in the USA, and was selected among “Best of 2008” by Jazznyt Blogspot and Something Else! Anne Mette Iversen Quartet has gained a reputation for their consistently engaging live performances, and for being true to jazz music in spirit, feeling and originality. Anne Mette Iversen’s Quartet does not “play” the music; they speak through the music, they live the music. Because the musicians know each other so well, having played together for more than 6 years, they have developed an intuitive understanding of each others' musical language and personality, and are able to let the music grow and take off in new directions every night.

 

Pianist Xavier Davis, who resides in West Orange, NJ, is an accomplished pianist, composer and arranger whohas performed with many of today's great jazz musicians. He began his professional career working with legendary vocalist Betty Carter for two years. Though Xavier was still in college, after participating in Ms. Carter's "Jazz Ahead" program, she hired him as her pianist. Xavier’s early professional career included working with drummer Carl Allen. He also worked with trumpeter Tom Harrell for eight years. Xavier appears on four of Tom’s RCA Victor releases, and was associate producer on "Live at the Village Vanguard." He's also a veteran of vibraphonist Stefon Harris' quartet and violinist Regina Carter's group. Xavier has performed and/or recorded with Freddie Hubbard, Abbey Lincoln, Joe Lovano, Donald Byrd, Gary Bartz, Nat Adderley, Nicholas Payton, Wessell Anderson, Vincent Herring, Vanessa Rubin, Nnenna Freelon and The New York Voices, among others.

An active member of the New York jazz  scene since the late ’70s, Hayes Greenfield – as sideman – has built enduring associations with such notable artists as Jaki Byard, Rashied Ali, Paul Bley, Barry Altschul, and Richie Havens. As bandleader since the mid-’80s, Hayes has headlined in such popular New York City clubs as the Blue Note, Birdland, the Knitting Factory, and CBGB’s and on several European tours. Hayes Greenfield introduces jazz to kids as a “hands on” experience. Almost without realizing what they are doing, kids at his shows create jazz. Says Hayes, “What I am trying to do with Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz is to show kids how much fun they can have with jazz. To stretch their ears and minds to the magic and joys of improvisation in a way that enables kids to embrace this beautiful music and make it their own. When I get done with them they leave chanting, singing, and knowing that jazz is alive and well and not old fogey music. After coming to my show, they make jazz their own.”