The virtuoso pianist, best known for his work with Cécile McLorin Salvant, presents rare solo concerts of Thelonious Monk's music as part of our annual Monk's birthday celebration.
In only a few short years, the New Orleans native has risen from relative obscurity outside of the jazz cognoscenti to global recognition as a peerless virtuoso and stylist. Starting on piano at seven, Fortner was a well-established veteran by the time he passed through Oberlin Conservatory, and now, at 37, he is an award-winning bandleader, sideman, composer, and collaborator who has paired with a staggering list of notables including Paul Simon, Wynton Marsalis, Stefon Harris, Etienne Charles, Gary Bartz, Samara Joy, and Roy Hargrove.
His initial appearance with Salvant on her GRAMMY-winning 2016 collection Dreams and Daggers led to an enduring partnership, and the pair scored a second GRAMMY win for their 2018 duo release follow-up The Window.
Starting with 2015's Aria, Fortner's four solo releases have been increasingly accomplished affairs, including a 2018 duo recording with fellow 2024-25 Season artist Kyle Athayde, and culminating with Solo Game, which shows two sides of the pianist's personality, balanced between a solo piano half and a multi-layered electric half.
These nights devoted to Monk's music represent a perfect match of artist, composer, and occasion.
show less
In only a few short years, the New Orleans native has risen from relative obscurity outside of the jazz cognoscenti to global recognition as a peerless virtuoso and stylist. Starting on piano at seven, Fortner was a well-established veteran by the time he passed through Oberlin Conservatory, and now, at 37, he is an award-winning bandleader, sideman, composer, and collaborator who has paired with a staggering list of notables including Paul Simon, Wynton Marsalis, Stefon Harris, Etienne Charles, Gary Bartz, Samara Joy, and Roy Hargrove.
His initial appearance with Salvant on her GRAMMY-winning 2016 collection Dreams and Daggers led to an enduring partnership, and the pair scored a second GRAMMY win for their 2018 duo release follow-up The Window.
Starting with 2015's Aria, Fortner's four solo releases have been increasingly accomplished affairs, including a 2018 duo recording with fellow 2024-25 Season artist Kyle Athayde, and culminating with Solo Game, which shows two sides of the pianist's personality, balanced between a solo piano half and a multi-layered electric half.
These nights devoted to Monk's music represent a perfect match of artist, composer, and occasion.
The virtuoso pianist, best known for his work with Cécile McLorin Salvant, presents rare solo concerts of Thelonious Monk's music as part of our annual Monk's birthday celebration.
In only a few short years, the New Orleans native has risen from relative obscurity outside of the jazz cognoscenti to global recognition as a peerless virtuoso and stylist. Starting on piano at seven, Fortner was a well-established veteran by the time he passed through Oberlin Conservatory, and now, at 37, he is an award-winning bandleader, sideman, composer, and collaborator who has paired with a staggering list of notables including Paul Simon, Wynton Marsalis, Stefon Harris, Etienne Charles, Gary Bartz, Samara Joy, and Roy Hargrove.
His initial appearance with Salvant on her GRAMMY-winning 2016 collection Dreams and Daggers led to an enduring partnership, and the pair scored a second GRAMMY win for their 2018 duo release follow-up The Window.
Starting with 2015's Aria, Fortner's four solo releases have been increasingly accomplished affairs, including a 2018 duo recording with fellow 2024-25 Season artist Kyle Athayde, and culminating with Solo Game, which shows two sides of the pianist's personality, balanced between a solo piano half and a multi-layered electric half.
These nights devoted to Monk's music represent a perfect match of artist, composer, and occasion.
read more
In only a few short years, the New Orleans native has risen from relative obscurity outside of the jazz cognoscenti to global recognition as a peerless virtuoso and stylist. Starting on piano at seven, Fortner was a well-established veteran by the time he passed through Oberlin Conservatory, and now, at 37, he is an award-winning bandleader, sideman, composer, and collaborator who has paired with a staggering list of notables including Paul Simon, Wynton Marsalis, Stefon Harris, Etienne Charles, Gary Bartz, Samara Joy, and Roy Hargrove.
His initial appearance with Salvant on her GRAMMY-winning 2016 collection Dreams and Daggers led to an enduring partnership, and the pair scored a second GRAMMY win for their 2018 duo release follow-up The Window.
Starting with 2015's Aria, Fortner's four solo releases have been increasingly accomplished affairs, including a 2018 duo recording with fellow 2024-25 Season artist Kyle Athayde, and culminating with Solo Game, which shows two sides of the pianist's personality, balanced between a solo piano half and a multi-layered electric half.
These nights devoted to Monk's music represent a perfect match of artist, composer, and occasion.
show less
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SFJAZZ Center - SF Jazz
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201 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
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