By Frank Alkyer | Published October 2025
Sachal Vasandani is one of the most fascinating vocalists on the improvised music scene today. Take for instance his beautiful album Best Life Now, which came out earlier in the year on his own Patron Saint Records. Now, he’s come out with a beautiful, stripped down version of songs from that album called Best Life Now—Acoustic Sessions EP with saxophonist Dayna Stephens and guitarist Charles Altura. The wordplay on the record’s title tune may be the best example of Vasandani’s creative gifts. He sings the verse of “Best Life Now” as if he’s a jazz-infused Paul Simon, playing with time and meter to tell his story of saying he’s living his best life, but not quite convinced that those words ring true. His is art that straddles the boundaries of musical genre, quietly erasing the lines with a sweep of his smooth tenor vocals. “Don’t Give Up On Me” comes in as a quiet, thoughtful plea from an imperfect but well meaning narrator. His take on Sade’s “Lover’s Rock” shoots straight at the heart, begging for a warm embrace. The six songs on Best Life Now–Acoustic Sessions EP clock in at just a bit over 20 minutes, like an album side to quiet the soul after a long day. The music is simple and understated, but with a depth and beauty that stick with the listener. This is Vasandani at his best.
