Behind Sapphire

    Behind Sapphire is an acoustic-driven band based out of Vancouver B.C. Their live performance consists of singer Grant Cassell, guitarist Matthew Mazankowski, drummer Steven Ward, violinist Jeremy Ferland and celloist Isidora Nojkovic. Matthew and Grant have been writing music together for five years and through the process the young duo formed a sound that provides a unique variety of melodic pop, crooning jazz, country swing and honest folk.

This heartfelt and entertaining group draws influence from old Disney Soundtracks, composer Yann Tiersen, The Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald, among many others. With a friendly melodic sound, Behind Sapphire strikes a distinct homely feeling in their listeners hearts. Singer Grant Cassell's velvety voice is full of character and poise, dynamically able to capture such memorable emotion. Furthermore, Matthew Mazankowski, Steven Ward, Jeremy Ferland and Isidora Nojkovic create encompassing instrumentation and orchestration to support and brighten their genre-defining sound. From performances that develop pure raw energy and rising orchestration to simple, romantic, and mellow acoustic settings, Behind Sapphire has the rare capability to adapt their sound for many different occasions.

In December 2008, Behind Sapphire released their first EP entitled "Lest Ye Stay." In 2009, determined for more exposure, the band began performing many shows in the Vancouver area, having a small tour to Alberta and Central B.C. and sharing about their gentle music and kindhearted spirits with the world. The boys appeared in North Vancouver's Forty-Four Magazine, who quoted their sound as "magical"; and they were flattered with a full page spread in Surrey's "Leader" Newspaper. In December 2009, they finished finished recording their first album with Producer/Engineer Tom Dobrzanski (Hey Ocean!, Said The Whale, Lotus Child, We Are The City, The Zolas). The self-titled album is set to be released in March 2010. Spread the joy!