Sultan Stevenson is one of the most exciting young jazz musicians whose captivating performances and original compositions have led to his rapid rise on the London scene. He is considered one of the brightest stars of his generation, winning Best Newcomer in the 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. A product of the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy and Tomorrow’s Warriors, Sultan has shaped his musical identity through his cultural experiences, drawing heavily upon Jazz and African music

In 2020 Sultan emerged onto the scene with a rapidly developing artistic voice. He started playing his own music alongside regular bandmates Jacob Gryn and Joel Waters. Jazz Re:freshed, The Jazz Cafe, The Vortex and The EFG London Jazz Festival are just some of the numerous places in which Sultan has wowed audiences. Sultan cites McCoy Tyner, Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen and Ahmad Jamal as some of his biggest inspirations.

In 2022 Stevenson recorded his debut album with his trio – the album also features Josh Short (trumpet) and his mentor Denys Baptiste (tenor saxophone) on Whirlwind Recordings. It was released on March 24th and has received much critical acclaim. Sultan launched his debut album at The Jazz Café on March 31st. The show sold out, it was a celebration of not only Sultan’s music but of young talent within the London jazz scene today. Sultan has been touring the album internationally and has gone on to perform at multiple outstanding venues worldwide.

In March 2023, Sultan went on to win the Parliamentary Jazz Media Award for ‘Best Newcomer’ and is considered one of the brightest stars of his generation.

In 2024, Sultan continues to take the jazz scene by storm. Sultan was hand-selected to perform 2 showcase slots at SXSW in Texas as part of the jazz Re:freshed ‘outernational’ event. Adding to this, Sultan has performed at the jazzahead! Festival in Germany, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival for a sold-out show and was interviewed live for Radio 3, all in the space of four months.

Support is from young vocalist Amelie Payne-Heneghan and her Quintet 7.30pm

This concert is part of JazzLeeds presentations during the 2025 Leeds Jazz Festival

Sultan Stevenson Trio at Seven Arts Friday 23 May 2025 7.30pm