Posted on: July 6, 2007 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Sachal Vasandani – Eyes Wide Open / 2007 Mack Avenue / 12 Tracks / http://www.sachalvasandani.com / http://www.mackavenue.com /

“Naked As We Came” is the first track on “Eyes Wide Open”, and Vasandani comes forth with a very classic style of singing. If anything, I would have to link eir singing style to an early Dean Martin or Bing Crosby. There is enough of a current focus to keep individuals interested; there is more than a passing glance at the Dave Matthews Band, even as Vasandani’s instrumentation moves in a more classical jazz format. What results with “Eyes Wide Open” is something that is very easy listening, with a light enough instrumentation to allow all the nuances of Vasandani’s vocals to shine. “Please Mr. Ogilvy” is the second track, and brings Vasandani more into the modern era than anything.

 Instead of necessarily being constrained throughout most of the track, there are moments during “Please Mr. Ogilvy” that Vasandani’s vocals reach a more unrestrained level. It is during this track that a sense of spontaneity occurs, with the bass solo being chaotic and without any overarching structure. It is this type of sound that acts in stark opposition to what first hit listeners with “naked As We Came”. By the time that “A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing”, individuals will have little idea where Vasandani will go. This gives Vasandani that much more time to work eir music. This is a good position, and Vasandani confidently enters “A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing”. The most interesting thing about the songs on “Eyes Wide Open” has to be that the songs typically conform to a longer runtime. Even on those tracks like “Naked As We Came”, which stay with a very linear arrangement, there is enough in the way of style changes and different sounds that individuals can stay interested through the greater part of four minutes.

Individuals should look at Vasandani’s style and those supporting arrangements, as this is how to extend a track without falling into a rut or going into a direction that will ultimately prove to not be fruitful. The jazzy, classical style of Vasandani on this album is strong, and while it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is solid. Give the disc a go if you would like to hear spontaneous arrangements, a modern interpretation of an earlier style, and a compelling set of vocals all in the space of one hunk of plastic. It may never be on mTV, but that does not mean it isn’t good.

Top Tracks: September In The Rain, Send ‘Em Up To Heaven

Rating: 5.8/10

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