Saku Mantere is a Finnish-born, Montréal-based jazz vocalist and composer, whose music explores the borderlands between jazz, poetry, and storytelling. His debut album Upon First Impression (2022, Orchard of Pomegranates) received acclaim for its narrative lyricism, stylistic range, and elegant arrangements. Mantere’s supple, story-driven vocal style has drawn comparisons to Kurt Elling and Leonard Cohen, balancing jazz phrasing with singer-songwriter intimacy. With Divine Apology, Mantere continues to chart an original path in vocal jazz, connecting personal narrative with musical exploration.
