San Trinh is a Vietnamese guitarist and composer whose work blends contemporary jazz, ambient textures, and the melodic storytelling rooted in Vietnamese musical culture. His playing is marked by a warm, fluid tone, a deep sense of lyricism, and an instinct for shaping modern improvisation into something personal and honest.

Growing up in Hải Phòng and later rising within Hanoi’s music scene, San began performing professionally as a teenager. His dedication and technical growth quickly led him to national recognition, including winning the Vietnam Yamaha Electric Guitar Competition (2018). In 2023, he moved to the United States after earning the Berklee World Tour Scholarship, joining the diverse and demanding musical environment at the Berklee College of Music. A year later, he was honored with the Jimi Hendrix Award for Guitar (2024), one of the institution’s highest distinctions for guitar excellence.

In Berklee and Boston, San became known for his versatility and creative voice, performing at respected venues such as Smalls Jazz Club (NYC), Wally’s Jazz Club (BOS), and festivals across Asia and the U.S. His writing and playing draw from a wide musical spectrum—Vietnamese folk colors, contemporary jazz harmony, electric improvisation, and cinematic ambient sound explore and design. This mixture forms the foundation of his artistic identity.

San’s debut album, Sunset to Sunrise (2025), represents a major milestone in his career. The record traces his personal evolution from Vietnam to Boston, capturing themes of home, distance, and self-discovery through intimate compositions and expansive guitar work. The project earned a place on the 2026 Grammy® Ballot for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, a rare accomplishment for an independent debut release.

In addition to his solo work, San is a founding member of the eletronic jazz group sautéed grabba, alongside Walker McSween (trumpet), Trey Tarzia (drums), and Oliver Unger (bass). The ensemble explores groove-driven improvisation, contemporary fusion, and collective interaction, with each member contributing equally to the sound and creative direction. The band is currently developing its debut album soon to be release on Summer 2026, aiming to push the boundaries of modern instrumental music through collaboration and shared musical identity.

With more than fifteen years of experience and a growing body of original work, San continues to shape his voice as both a guitarist and composer. His music reflects who he is—a blend of cultures, influences, and emotional clarity—carried forward by a commitment to evolution, storytelling, and honest expression.