If you saw Cécile McLorin Salvant’s performance on Fridays at Five from SFJAZZ in July, you know how stunning a pianist Sullivan Fortner is. If you didn’t, you have a great opportunity to see what makes him so special. Tuesday, November 10th, Fortner will be performing as part of the Village Vanguard’s Solo Series. The performance takes place at 8:00 PM EST/5:00 PM EST and will remain available for 24 hours.
Though this clip isn’t from that concert, it showcases how thoughtful, graceful and beautiful his work as an accompanist is.
In a 2019 article about Fortner in Downbeat Magazine, Salvant said of his playing, “It felt like he was almost saying the words with me and making them ring or sparkle. It felt wonderful.”
He’s just as good when he’s on his own. As he is in this performance of Billy Strayhorn’s Passion Flower.
Fortner’s most recent solo album was 2018’s Moments Preserved. Earlier this year he released Tea for Two which finds him performing with vibraphonist Kyle Athade.
I could throw all kinds of details about Fortner, his background, positive reviews and awards he’s received, but it ultimately comes down to the music. Take a look and listen to three very different performances.
If that doesn’t intrigue you and convince you, I don’t know what will. I know what I’m doing at 5:00 PM in Los Angeles. If you love jazz, particularly jazz piano, I know what you should be doing, too.
Tickest for Sullivan Fortner are $10. They can be purchased here.
Photo: Sullivan Fortner (Courtesy his website)