Bezetting

 

Sullivan Fortner - piano

Tyrone Allen - double bass

Kayvon Gordon - drums

Sullivan Fortner, Grammy winner 2025

 

If there's one pianist who combines the fire of jazz tradition with a surprisingly modern flair, it's Sullivan Fortner (born 1986). This Grammy-winning virtuoso from New Orleans is more than just a gifted musician; he's a storyteller, an explorer behind the keyboard. With his trio, he delivers an explosive mix of swing, lyricism, and adventure that captivates both connoisseurs and newcomers.

 

Fortner's playing is steeped in the rich history of jazz, with influences ranging from Oscar Peterson to Herbie Hancock, but always with a unique, playful character. His timing is impeccable, his harmonies surprising, and his improvisations touch you right in the heart. In his trio, Fortner surrounds himself with top musicians who elevate his musicality to new heights. Don't expect tame reinterpretations of standards, but lively dialogues full of spontaneity, excitement, and soul. Each concert is a musical journey, blurring the lines between composition and improvisation, leaving the audience breathless.

 

Not just any jazz

 

The Sullivan Fortner Trio doesn't just play jazz. They celebrate it, question it, break it open, and rebuild it for a new generation of listeners. Don't miss this unique live experience. Let yourself be carried away by one of the most expressive piano trios of our time.

Downbeat rising star winnaar

 

In the renowned 2024 DownBeat Critics Poll, the Sullivan Fortner Trio was named Rising Star Jazz Group of the Year. This award highlights the jazz critics' recognition of Fortner's unique sound and imagination with his trio, consisting of Tyrone Allen (double bass) and Kayvon Gordon (drums). Fortner himself explains that this trio gives him considerable freedom, allowing him to tightly control melodies and improvisations. Fewer musicians means more room for improvisation and creative playing, making collective imagination the starting point.

 

Earlier in 2019, Fortner was also honored as the winner of the DownBeat Critics Poll in no fewer than two categories: Rising Star Jazz Artist and Rising Star Pianist. A year later, in 2020, he was named Rising Star Arranger.

Grammy Award winnaar

 

Sullivan Fortner heeft ook inmiddels twee Grammy Awards gewonnen. Hij won een Grammy voor zijn bijdrage aan het album The Window van Cécile McLorin Salvant. In 2025 ontving hij nogmaals een Grammy, ditmaal samen met Samara Joy voor de jazzperformance “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me”.

Pers over Sullivan Fortner

 

The New York Times 

His fundamentals as a player could hardly be stronger, and his instincts as a composer and bandleader are almost startlingly mature.”

 

DownBeat Magazine

Fortner’s ability to simultaneously project his own voice and reflect those of others reveals an empathy.”

 

The Financial Times

The recent joint winner of a jazz Grammy combines disparate influences with emotional warmth.

 

Jazzradar

Stijlvolle Sullivan Fortner met onnavolgbaar pianospel.

 

OffBeat Magazine

Fortner beautifully, slowly and deliberately asks the eternal question of the essence of love — his notes dance, come to a halt and resume the twirls.”

Tickets concert

 

The concert on 3rd november 2025 starts on 20.30 hour.
Your ticket for this concert of the Sullivan Fortner Trio order you here.

Locatie

 

Theater Junushoff, Plantsoen 3, 6701 AS Wageningen. For directions and parking options, see Google Maps