Sullivan Fortner Trio: Leave That In There

Grammy-winning pianist Sullivan Fortner returns to LantarenVenster with his trio and Leave That In There, his sixth and most personal album to date.

Raised in New Orleans, Fortner developed his musical language in the city’s gospel tradition, with swing and blues remaining at the heart of his playing. Over the past decade he has established himself as both a bandleader and sought-after collaborator, including performances with vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. In 2025, he won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance with Samara Joy.

On Leave That In There, memories from Fortner’s childhood meet the wider history of New Orleans and Louisiana. The title references Spike Lee’s Hurricane Katrina documentary When the Levees Broke, while the track Sugarcane connects a childhood memory of his grandmother with the history of slavery, labour and resistance on Louisiana’s sugar plantations.

The album moves beyond conventional piano trio jazz, incorporating Hammond organ, marimba, Bàtá drums and synthesisers. Live, Fortner performs with bassist Tyrone Allen II and drummer Kayvon Gordon, giving the music plenty of room for swing, improvisation and rhythmic interplay.

Details

Event: Sullivan Fortner Trio: Leave That In There
Date: Friday 16 April 2027
Start: 20:30
Location: LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
Tickets: €25, including €3 service costs
Genre: Jazz and contemporary jazz
Album: Leave That In There
Seating: Seated concert with free choice of seats

Line-up

Sullivan Fortner: piano
Tyrone Allen II: double bass
Kayvon Gordon: drums