History[edit]
The group, composed of Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick and Amanda Taylor, originated with 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.”[1][2]
They began performing together in 2020, debuting at the Jazz Education Network conference.[3]
In 2023, säje embarked on its first extensive tour to promote its debut album.[1]
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.[4][5]
"Säje" is an acronym of the four members' first names.[6]
Discography[edit]
In 2021, the group released a single, "Dust Baby," with Gerald Clayton.[8]
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.[4] It landed at #2 on the Billboard contemporary jazz chart.[9]
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.[1] 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.[10]
The group won the grand prize for the 2020 John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the folk category.[11]