Cyrus Chestnut

Cyrus Chestnut is one of the most gifted and innovative jazz pianists of his generation. With a musical style that effortlessly combines the influences of gospel, classical music, and straight-ahead jazz, Chestnut has garnered acclaim from critics and peers alike for his soulful, virtuosic playing. His career spans decades of performances and recordings, establishing him as a pivotal figure in contemporary jazz.

Raised in the heart of Baltimore in a musical family, Chestnut's gospel roots have been a key influence on his musical development. His father, a pianist, and his mother, a singer, were both deeply involved in the church, where Chestnut first encountered the powerful, emotional connection between music and spirituality. This early exposure to gospel music provided him with a rich, emotive foundation that continues to permeate his jazz performances, infusing them with a soulful, dynamic energy that resonates deeply with audiences. Chestnut has often described how the gospel tradition taught him not only how to play the piano but also how to connect with listeners on a deeper, more emotional level. He has said, "I want to spread some feel good... I want to be able to spread the feel good"—a sentiment that echoes the uplifting, transformative nature of gospel music.