Sachal Vasandani Eyes Wide Open CD

Composer: Sachal Vasandani.
Personnel: Sachal Vasandani (vocals); Sachal Vasandani; Doug Wamble (guitar); Marcus Printup (trumpet); Stefon Harris (vibraphone, marimba); Jeb Patton (piano, electric piano, Fender Rhodes piano); David Wong (acoustic bass); Quincy Davis (drums).
Additional personnel: Doug Wamble, Marcus Printup, Stefon Harris.
Recording information: Sear Sound Studios, New York, NY (2006).
Director: Maria Ehrenreich.
Arrangers: Sachal Vasandani; David Wong ; Quincy Davis; Jeb Patton; John Clayton.
Perhaps distracted by his tousle-haired good looks, critical comparisons have likened newcomer Sachal Vasandani to Harry Connick, Jr., but the jazz crooner's light, reedy voice owes more to breezier singers like Kenny Rankin and Michael Franks. On his excellent debut album, the New York City-based vocalist, backed by a cracker-jack band, tackles both jazz standards ("I Can't Give You Anything But Love") and intelligent originals, creating an enticing package and a running start towards stardom.
Sachal Vasandani has an unusual voice, sounding a bit like Art Lund (Benny Goodman's singer in 1946) in his lower register and hinting at Michael Franks in his higher notes although he has a much deeper sound. Vasandani began getting rave reviews for his live performances around 2005, but his debut as a leader is just OK. Perhaps some of his charisma is better experienced live, but he comes across as a subtle and safe singer (despite a wide-ranging repertoire) with a distinctive tone. His performances on this CD are pleasant and nice but not particularly engrossing or memorable, occasionally sounding like a monotone, particularly on his originals. The performances are uplifted by the Jeb Patton Trio and guest spots for Stefon Harris, Marcus Printup and Doug Wamble. Sachal Vasandani clearly has potential, but it is not realized on this early effort. ~ Scott YanowJazzTimes (p.113) - "It's a cunning collection of a dozen tracks, mostly covers, that serves as sort of sampler to demonstrate Vasandani's impressive versatility."