Sullivan Fortner: Mastering Jazz and Humility

Sullivan Fortner, a celebrated jazz pianist who has lived in New York since 2008, finds grounding by playing at churches in Brooklyn and his hometown of New Orleans. Despite achieving significant recognition, including a Grammy for his 2025 album "Southern Nights" and the Gilmore's Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award, Fortner seeks humility away from the spotlight. His latest work, "Leave That in There," set for release on August 28, marks a departure with its adventurous sound, incorporating organ, synthesizers, and his own overdubbed vocals.

Fortner's musical journey began with gospel influences from his mother and expanded through his studies at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Mentored by Clyde Kerr Jr., he developed a profound appreciation for jazz standards and an open-minded approach to music. While known for his traditionalist interpretations, his new album experiments with a dense, layered sound, drawing inspiration from Louisiana's history and culture, including references to the "Sugarcane" rebellion and Spike Lee's "When the Levees Broke."

Fellow musicians like Jason Moran and Ambrose Akinmusire praise Fortner's technical brilliance and deep musicality. Cécile McLorin Salvant describes him as a "reservoir of song" who imbues all his playing with life. Despite his growing prominence as a leader, Fortner remains dedicated to the joy of playing music, embracing it as a space for playful exploration and pushing boundaries.