Cyrus Chestnut was born in Baltimore, and lives in the Washington-Baltimore area. I have seen him play 4 or 5 times, with my appreciation of what he is doing rising each and every time. I would call his style “austere”, with clean beautifully struck notes.First time I listened to Cyrus was in the late 80’s at the Treaty of Paris Restaurant in Annapolis Maryland. My group of 6 was in another room – We asked for and got a table in the room with the trio. That was a delight!
He is one of the most requested pianists among recording musicians, including Freddy Cole,Bette Midler, Jon Hendricks, Freddie Hubbard, Jimmy Scott, Chick Corea, Isaac Hayes, Kevin Mahogany, Dizzy Gillespie, and opera diva Kathleen Battle. If you have heard Anita Baker, chances are you heard Cyrus.
