Icelandic jazz Hammond organist Sara Magnúsdóttir brings an exciting new voice to the Hammond Organ, blending nordic lyricism with deep grooves and a soulful touch - all tied together by her background in the jazz tradition.

Growing up in a small Icelandic village with a fascination for jazz lead her to her studies in the US, which culminated in arranging a big band piece for jazz legend Joe Lovano. During her college years she discovered a deep pull towards the Hammond organ, its power and soulful sound.

Since her early 20s, Sara has been a vibrant presence in both in Reykjavík and NYC’s jazz scene, and featured in a variety of bands and projects, such as Reykjavik Big Band and with Sigurður Flosason. She has arranged a big band piece for renowned saxophonist Joe Lovano.

As for her big band career, Sara has had her compositions performed by professional big bands in both Iceland and the U.S and has received commissions and grants for her work. She has notably arranged a big band piece for jazz legend Joe Lovano in 2024.

Now stepping forward as a bandleader, Sara releases her debut album A Place to Bloom, in August 2025 with a premiere at Reykjavik Jazz Festival. The album is a reflection on wanderlust, identity and needing to find home in many places.

Sara is joined by some of Iceland’s most accomplished jazz musicians: Jóel Pálsson on tenor saxophone, Andrés Thor Gunnlaugsson on guitar, Einar Scheving on drums and Tumi Torfason on trumpet.

Her first single is out on May 23rd and is called Heima.