Music has been of a reflection of political, pop, and social norms set to all forms of music genres. As music changes with the times so has jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut. His unique and authentic soulful and gospel oriented playing has heads bobbing to packed audiences around the world. Also, he’s not ashamed to bring black culture in the limelight, something that’s been missing in mainstream culture.

I caught up recently with pianist Cyrus Chestnut at the Jazz Standard where he played a week of dates. Chestnut, not one for staying musically in one place for too long, just released his latest disc “Journeys.” This disc isn’t the traditional piano recording, but is a trio disc. It features Dezron Douglas on bass and Neil Smith on drums.

Although he was raised in the church in Baltimore, Maryland, he explains it was the music of his childhood and upbringing that he continues to embrace along with his rich African legacy.

Chestnut started playing piano at nine and was studying classical at an early age. He attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Upon graduation, Cyrus played with the late Betty Carter, Jon Hendricks, Wynton Marsalis, and Terence Blanchard. As a soloist he’s been able bridge both jazz and gospel to the masses.

To find out Cyrus’s upcoming tour dates or to order his latest disc “Journeys” visit him on the web at www.cyruschestnut.net