säje celebrates maternal figures in “Alma”, a Grammy-winning arrangement: a warm, harmonious, and universal vocal tribute.
Alma: love and memory in four voices
The song “Alma”, performed by the American vocal quartet säje in collaboration with the renowned violinist Regina Carter, is a moving tribute to the female figures who shape our lives: mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and chosen families. Released on August 16, 2024, this single earned the prestigious 2025 Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals. The very title, “Alma”, evokes the soul, the depth of being, the raw material of every affection.
The meaning and writing of the song
The deep sense of “Alma” unfolds like a true love letter in music. The lyrics express gratitude and recognition, evoking images of stability, nourishment, and care. It is a tender and sincere song, in which words alone are not enough: music becomes the most authentic means to convey affection and gratitude. In an age often dominated by individualism, the piece stands out for its message of community and belonging, embracing both the personal and the collective.
Harmonization and voices: a collective identity
säje is a vocal quartet made up of Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick, and Amanda Taylor. Their very name is an acronym of their initials, symbolizing the fusion of four identities into a single voice. Their stylistic signature blends contemporary jazz, pop, folk, and soul, with refined harmonies woven into a constantly surprising sound texture.
In “Alma”, this fusion is particularly evident: the four singers don’t merely perform parallel melodic lines but build a living harmonic mosaic, where each voice enters and withdraws like in an ongoing dialogue. The result is a modern choir that retains the strength of traditional vocal jazz, while renewing it with contemporary sensitivity.
The contribution of Regina Carter
A major highlight of “Alma” is the presence of violinist Regina Carter, one of the most respected figures in the global jazz scene. Her contribution enriches the song with new colors: the violin becomes an additional voice, able to converse with the singers with the same emotional intensity.
Carter does not merely accompany but intertwines lyrical lines that evoke both nostalgia and warmth, creating delicate yet intense counterpoints. Her artistry gives the song a chamber-like character, almost as if it belonged to a chamber ensemble, expanding the boundaries of vocal jazz toward more classical and contemporary territories.
Awards and recognition
Winning the 2025 Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals cemented “Alma” as a landmark of excellence in today’s jazz scene. This was not an isolated recognition: already in 2024, the group had received accolades for the innovative quality of their compositions, becoming a reference point for the future of vocal jazz.
The fact that such an intimate piece, dedicated to universal values like family gratitude, achieved international recognition proves how säje’s music transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, speaking directly to the emotions.
säje and the new face of vocal jazz
The säje project was born from the meeting of four already acclaimed solo artists, united by the desire to create something beyond their individual careers. Their music continues the legacy of historic vocal groups such as The Singers Unlimited or New York Voices, yet introduces a fresher language influenced by world music, contemporary pop, and new jazz writing.
With “Alma”, they show that vocal jazz is not a genre tied to the past, but a living and dynamic form capable of renewing itself through cross-pollination and dialogue with other traditions. Their choice to collaborate with Regina Carter further highlights their intent to build generational and stylistic bridges.
An eternal song of affection
In “Alma”, säje and Regina Carter have created something both universal and intimate: a song that speaks of love, gratitude, and community. It is a celebration of feminine roots, of silent and profound support. Every note, every harmony, every word is offered as a sonic embrace that acknowledges what often remains unspoken.
It is rare for a contemporary piece to so successfully combine musical innovation with emotional depth. “Alma” achieves this, becoming a listening experience that touches the personal memory of anyone. It resonates deeply, because in those voices each of us can find a familiar echo.
