Cyrus Chestnut

Cyrus Chestnut was born in Hampton, Virginia in 1963. His father was a pianist and minister, and by age six Cyrus was already performing in church. That early exposure to gospel music, along with classical and jazz, formed the foundation for his playing.

His debut album came out in 1991, simply titled 'Cyrus Chestnut.' The record showed his approach to piano, which often drew from blues and gospel traditions. A few years later he released 'God Has Smiled On Me,' which became one of his better-known pieces. The song's title track carries the feeling of a spiritual, with a melody that feels both grateful and grounded.

He's recorded over thirty albums, working with musicians like guitarist Russell Malone and drummer Gerald Cannon. Some of his records, like 'Charlie Brown Christmas' with Terence Blanchard or 'Cyrus Plays Gershwin,' show his range without straying too far from the piano trio format he often returns to.