Cyrus Chestnut Biography

Cyrus Chestnut (born January 17, 1963 in Baltimore), is a jazz pianist. He began playing at the age of five and attended the Peabody Institute at nine. He also attended The Walden School. He later earned numerous scholarships and honors while attending the Berklee College of Music.

He worked with several leading musicians including Wynton Marsalis and Betty Carter before releasing his first solo album in 1992. He signed to Atlantic Records in 1994. His work at times concerns or infused his faith and spirituality. His grandfather was a church musician and his father also played on the piano for the congregation. At seven he had his first performance at the Mt. Calvary Star Baptist Church. In 2000 he released Blessed Quietness where he covered a variety of hymns, carols, and spirituals. In that year his Cyrus Chestnut Trio also released their own version of A Charlie Brown Christmas (album).

In summer 2006, Chestnut will be moving to an estate in Catonsville, Maryland.