London-based rising star pianist Sultan Stevenson, who came out of both the prominent Tomorrow’s Warriors education program and the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy (JJJA), has recently released his brilliant debut album Faithful One on Whirlwind Recordings.

With Caribbean roots (his parents are of Barbadian and Vincentian descent), a strong spiritual connection to his Christian faith, and an artist that has absorbed the jazz linage, especially pioneering pianist like McCoy Tyner, Geri Allen, Herbie Hancock and Kenny Kirkland, Stevenson’s music builds on these core foundations while bringing his own unique approach to the music.

Stevenson’s incredible 11-track recording finds itself in the same vein as other great piano trio recordings in knowing how to create space for all the players to bring their own style to each composition, while working in unison together as a singular voice. On a number of selections, trumpeter Josh Short and saxophonist and fellow Tomorrow’s Warriors alum Denys Baptiste seamlessly join the session, which also features bassist Jacob Gryn and drummer Joel Waters, to add more complimentary textures, tones, and dynamics to the music.

One of today’s most promising young and upcoming pianists has not only released an outstanding debut, but one of the best jazz recordings of 2023. Fans of Ahmad Jamal, McCoy Tyner, Kenny Barron, and Cedar Walton should really enjoy this record.

Sultan Stevenson’s ‘Faithful One’ is now out digitally, and will be available on vinyl May 15, 2023.

Sultan Stevenson — ‘Faithful One’
(Whirlwind Recordings)

1. Foreword
2. Guilty By Association
3. Prayer
4. To Be Seen
5. Safe Passage
6. Thank you, Thank you God
7. Summer Was Our Holy Place
8. He Has Made Me Whole
9. Faithful One
10. Faithful One (Reprise)
11. Afterword

BUY RECORD

• Jazz