On The Sunny Side Of The Street – 2018
Sullivan Fortner
The pianist says a lot in a brief period of time
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Sullivan Fortner, who worked with Stefon Harris, Roy Hargrove (2010-17) and Cécile McLorin Salvant, is a brilliant pianist who is inspired by several different vintage styles while displaying his own voice.
On this solo version of “On The Sunny Side Of The Street,” Fortner plays stride piano, features some ideas influenced by Art Tatum, hints at boogie-woogie, and keeps the classic melody close by throughout.
His performance is melodic, restrained, mature and (while looking back at the past) original.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald