“Desert Song“ // by säje

GRAMMY® nominated vocal supergroup, säje, performs their GRAMMY® nominated original composition “Desert Song“. Stream/Buy: säje is: Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick, and Erin Bentlage. Featuring: Adam Levy, guitar; Anna Butterss, bass. “Desert Song“ was written by säje, and arranged by Erin Bentlage with Amanda Taylor, and Johnaye Kendrick/Sara Gazarek. Audio and video recorded by Ricky Chavez/Buckets Moving Company; video edited by Ricky Chavez; audio mixed by Lynne Earls; mastered by Chris Allen. Recorded Feb 29th, 2020 at the Blue Whale in Los Angeles, CA. “Desert Song“ artwork and säje logo by Cecile McLorin Salvant. “säje is blazing a new trail for female composers and performers in the jazz world” -- Micah Hendler, Forbes “...[säje is] taking the vocal jazz ensemble into the 21st century.” -- Abe Beeson, KNKX/NPR “...transcendent music.” -- DownBeat Magazine “We wrote ’Desert Song’ together last year, at our very first retreat in Palm Springs. That weekend was actually the first time all four women were in a room together, so we spent the time cooking and swimming, sharing stories, and collectively falling in love with one another. But we also wrote this song. And we conceived of how we wanted to shape this collective, what we wanted it to stand for, and how we would share it with the world. In ‘Desert Song’ the ocean is meant to represent the masculine relationships we used to turn to for validation, and arriving at the desert signifies the empowerment and love we feel by leaning into the strength and femininity of this group.” Lyrics : I bet when you see the ocean You’re drawn to the strength inside the waves But if you get caught within the ocean The undertow will let you lose your way I bet when you reach the ocean Can’t wait to sink your toes into the sand Instead you will sink into the ocean And watch your heart pulled slowly from your hands She’s calling, She’s calling She’s calling, She’s calling Someday you will reach the desert Held by the warmth within the skies Breathe in the exhale of the desert And see your self reflected in her eyes The moment you reach the desert (you realize) She’s been singing a song of life and love And to your surprise you’re singing with the desert You’ve always known the words to sing along You have a voice, You’re coming home, where you belong She’s calling, She’s calling She’s calling, She’s calling