Cyrus Chestnut is an American jazz pianist known for his soulful virtuosity and the entwining of gospel and blues with classic jazz. Born on January 17, 1963, in Baltimore, Maryland, Chestnut developed an affinity for the piano at a young age, ultimately leading to a bountiful career as a professional musician. He polished his craft at the Peabody Institute and later at Berklee College of Music, earning accolades for his unique blend of traditional jazz with contemporary influences.

His artistry has been showcased in a plethora of albums that underscore his versatility and technical finesse. Chestnut’s releases such as "My Father's Hands," which pays homage to his origins and influences, and "Natural Essence" exhibit his dynamic range and profound connection to the roots of jazz. With "The Cyrus Chestnut Quartet" and "Soul Brother Cool," he has shown an unwavering dedication to the jazz quartet configuration, while thematic albums like "Cyrus Plays Elvis" reveal his ability to cross stylistic boundaries, infusing the King of Rock 'n' Roll's hits with jazz sensibilities. Renowned for his spirited live performances, albums such as "Midnight Melodies," recorded with Curtis Lundy and Victor Lewis, and "Plenty Swing, Plenty Soul," capture the electricity of Chestnut's concerts. A fixture in the modern jazz scene, Cyrus Chestnut continues to charm audiences with his warm, gospel-tinged sound and innovative improvisations.

Genres

Modern Jazz Piano

Related Artists

Brad Mehldau

McCoy Tyner

Herbie Hancock

Oscar Peterson

Kenny Barron

Chick Corea

Mulgrew Miller

Eric Reed

Bill Charlap

Christian McBride

Bill Evans

Benny Green

Latest Release

Charmed

Cyrus Chestnut

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released February 23, 2024