UK jazz act The Sultan Stevenson Trio and special guest Denys Baptiste tours Ireland from 24 to 29 October. We asked pianist and composer Sultan the BIG questions . . .
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Speaking about his upcoming Irish tour, Sultan said 'This tour brings together four musicians - my trio made up of two incredible musicians and I that I've had the pleasure of playing with for the past three years.
"What makes the tour special is the addition of Denys Baptiste to the ensemble. As a younger musician emerging from within the current London jazz scene we all look up to Denys and his contemporaries (Steve Williamson, Byron Wallen, Gary Crosby etc).
"This tour allows us to get deeper into the legacy and lineage of jazz in London. This is also the first tour I've done outside of the UK; I am sure I will look back on this in the future with very fond memories. I look forward to meeting everyone across my time out in Ireland!"
The Sultan Stevenson Trio, who released their debut album Faithful One earlier this year, play the Sugar Club, Dublin on 24 October, the Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire on 25 October, Siamsa Tire, Tralee on 27 October, the Triskel Arts Centre as part of the Cork Jazz Festival on 28 October, The Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on 29 October.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I love to travel and bring my music to places I don't know! I love sewing, I run a bucket hat shop! I love jazz and improvisation.
How would you describe your music?
I'd like to think above all it's approachable and people can understand it whether they love jazz or not. It comes from so many different sources: my identity as a young black man from London, my love and appreciation for Gospel music, my love for jazz and the power I believe it possesses!
Who are your musical inspirations?
Definitely McCoy Tyner, Geri Allen, Kenny Kirkland.
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What was the first gig you ever went to?
I actually can't remember but seeing John Coltrane playing live on YouTube (Jazz Casuals, live in ‘61) definitely kicked things off for me.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Kind of Blue, Miles Davis, 1959.
What's your favourite song right now?
Tight by Betty Carter but in particular the versions by Jazzmeia Horn and Samarah Joy.
Favourite lyric of all time?
'What's going on?' - Marvin Gaye.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Blue In Green by Miles Davis.
Where can people find your music/more information?
I'm quite active online and social media. Instagram is the best: @sultan.stevenson and also on my website. My music is available to buy on Bandcamp (CD and vinyl) you can also find it on all streaming platforms - my debut album Faithful One was released earlier this year! Finally, you can find my music with me at gigs! I play the album live and bring CDs and vinyl for sale at most of my shows. I'm very eager to meet my audience at the end!!
Alan Corr
