Sari Kessler

Sari Kessler

Sari Kessler approaches each musical task as a mission of self discovery while touching the heart of the listener. Born in Belgium and raised in New York, this   natural storyteller’s style is uniquely informed by her work as a clinical psychologist. Sari’s melange of jazz, Latin, funk and gospel repertoire was influenced by Carmen McRae, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, Hank Mobley, Dr. John and Ray Charles. She studied music intensively at The New School, at The Lucy Moses School with guitarist, Roni Ben-Hur, and with acclaimed vocalist Kate McGarry. Her current study and collaboration with vibraphonist/percussionist, James Shipp, will lead to the release of her debut jazz CD in 2014. Sari has shared the stage with Phoebe Snow, Tootie Heath, and Gene Bertoncini. She has recorded or performed with eminent jazzmen Freddie Bryant, Greg Bandy, Michael Kanan, Howard Alden, Harvie S, Willard Dyson and Ron Affif. Manhattan venues: Somethin’ Jazz Club, Zeb’s, The Garage, 55 Bar, Society of Illustrators and The Rainbow Room. In The Hamptons, she’s been featured at LI Winterfest/Jazz on the Vine, Wolffer Estate Vineyard, B. Smith’s, and The Ram’s Head Inn. Studio work: lead and background vocals for Miramax, public radio and other corporate marketing ventures.