Sullivan Fortner – Southern Nights

Artwork Records – February 14, 2025
Jazz
Sullivan Fortner - Southern Nights

Oh! The exquisite simplicity of this acoustic trio, playing with a divine ease that leaves one awestruck. Indeed, with a lineup featuring GRAMMY-winning pianist Sullivan Fortner, who so vividly embodies the spirit of New Orleans, alongside bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore, the jubilant album Southern Nights emerges as a radiant celebration steeped in the essence of New Orleans. I was already deeply impressed by Fortner’s 2023 album Solo Games, a double album I once described as “a manifesto of aesthetic authenticity, remarkable for its unrestrained stylistic eclecticism.”

Since then, Fortner has matured, evolving into a more intricate artist. Here, he finds kindred spirits in the masterful bassist Peter Washington and the refined drummer Marcus Gilmore, whose performances seem touched by an almost otherworldly inspiration. In July 2023, Fortner returned to the legendary stage of the Village Vanguard for his second week-long residency as a leader. Entrusted with forming an exceptional trio, he brought together Washington and Gilmore for a series of extraordinary performances. Their unpracticed yet fluid rapport culminated in a spontaneous recording session, immortalizing the magic of their collaboration. The resulting album, Southern Nights, is a vivid testament to Fortner’s artistry and his profound New Orleans heritage.

One would scarcely guess this album was recorded live, save for moments when the drum mix edges a bit too close. Reflecting on the experience, Fortner shared: “I’ve been a fan of Peter Washington since hearing him play with Bill Charlap back in high school. His lyrical approach and impeccable groove embody everything I admire in a bassist. As for Marcus Gilmore, we’ve known each other since high school, and his unique drumming style has always been a source of inspiration. This was our first time playing as a trio, and from the very first note, it felt like we’d been making music together for years.”

New Orleans, with its endless procession of inspired artists, reveals here an album that, beneath its classical veneer, is one of the most modern we’ve encountered in recent years. Kahn also highlights Fortner’s New Orleans roots, emphasizing how the city’s singular musical ethos—one that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation—permeates his playing. “There’s something about New Orleans music that transcends its distinctive rhythms,” writes Kahn. “It’s an unabashed respect for the porous nature of music, an openness to blending, fusing, and breathing. That generosity and uncontainable joy are evident in every note Fortner plays.”

The spirit of Marsalis looms large but does not stand alone. For these musicians, everything seems to hinge on cultural heritage—a legacy that provides the vital breath for every form of musical writing and improvisation. This album stands among the iconic recordings of piano-bass-drum trios, offering both a snapshot of an extraordinary moment and a glimpse into a promising future.

Fortner’s journey—from the NOCCA and Ellis Marsalis’s mentorship to his collaborations with artists like Cécile McLorin Salvant—has cemented his place as one of jazz’s most essential voices. Currently nominated for three GRAMMY Awards, including Best Jazz Instrumental Album for his prior work Solo Games, Fortner continues to command attention and admiration.

This new album solidifies his position as an artist to be reckoned with. One understands why Washington and Gilmore chose to embark on this adventure with him, offering far more than collaboration. When music transcends into art, it must surely resemble this.

Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News

PARIS-MOVE, January 20th 2025

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