SULLIVAN FORTNER

There is no doubt that the American pianist Sullivan Fortner, born in 1986, is currently one of the very special ones in his profession. He started learning the piano at the age of four in his home town of New Orleans, deeply inspired by an organist in the church. He has made a name for himself alongside his partner, the singer Cécile McLorin-Salvant. But he also performs solo. He presents his skills at the KITO in Bremen-Vegesack.

Sullivan Fortner is a multi-award-winning musician who combines elements of jazz, blues and soul with ease. Alongside Cécile McLorin Salvant, he won a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2018. He was nominated in 2025 for his own current solo piano album "Solo Game" and other collaborations. The renowned US magazine DownBeat recognized him as an up-and-coming star in 2024 and he has already played alongside greats such as Paul Simon, Dee Dee Bridgewater and John Scofield. But awards, nominations and collaborations are not enough to describe Sullivan Fortner. You have to experience him. Fortner usually sits casually at the piano, playing intricate lines as if casually, making complex piano playing seem like a snap of the fingers. Sometimes he also sings, with a voice like a young Stevie Wonder. This guy is just cool. Sullivan Fortner is an exceptional pianist and mediator of good sound and taste.