“a mature awareness of the value of space and silence, of still centres among hurricanes of sound” 

 - All About Jazz, UK

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Sultan Stevenson has emerged as one of London's most dynamic young jazz talents. His musical journey began at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy and Tomorrow’s Warriors, where he studied under renowned musicians such as Julian Joseph, Gary Crosby, Simon Purcell, and Robert Mitchell. In 2023, he graduated from The Guildhall School of Music, specializing in jazz piano.

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In 2025, Sultan is set to release his second album, "El Roi," meaning "God Saw Me" (Genesis 16:13). This album features Sultan’s original compositions performed by the Stevenson Trio, which includes bassist Jacob Gryn and drummer Joel Waters. Trumpeter and flugelhorn player Josh Short, who also contributed to Sultan’s debut album "Faithful One," appears on three of the album’s eight tracks. Sultan, showcasing his versatility, plays tenor saxophone on three tracks. The album includes pieces titled "Unspeakable Happiness," "A Region in My Mind," "Arise," "My Unbelief, "I Believe," and "El Roi."

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"The album reflects my thoughts on faith and identity," Stevenson explained to Marlbank. "El Roi means 'God of Sight,' symbolizing faith and perception." The suite "Those Who Believe," comprising tracks 3 to 7, delves into themes of faith, while the remaining tracks explore identity, featuring tenor sax and trumpet. Sultan’s work is influenced by gospel music and inspired by jazz greats like McCoy Tyner.

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Sultan's career took off in 2020 when he established his unique artistic identity. Alongside his dedicated bandmates Jacob Gryn and Joel Waters, he began performing his original compositions. From intimate venues like Jazz Re:freshed and The Vortex to prestigious stages such as The Jazz Cafe and The EFG London Jazz Festival, Sultan’s performances have captivated audiences. He draws inspiration from jazz legends like McCoy Tyner, Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen, and Ahmad Jamal.

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In 2022, Sultan recorded his debut album with his trio, featuring Josh Short on trumpet and his mentor Denys Baptiste on tenor saxophone. Released by Whirlwind Recordings on March 24th, the album received critical acclaim, and Sultan’s album launch at The Jazz Cafe was a sold-out event. His subsequent international tour further established his rising status in the global jazz scene.

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Last year marked another milestone as Sultan won the Parliamentary Jazz Media Award for 'Best Newcomer,' solidifying his reputation as a leading talent of his generation. Sultan has since continued to gain momentum, earning prestigious showcase slots at SXSW in Texas as part of the Jazz Re:freshed 'outernational' event. He also performed at Jazzahead! in Germany, the Brick Lane Jazz Festival, and a sold-out Cheltenham Jazz Festival show. His recent interview and live performance on BBC Radio 3 underscore his growing influence in the jazz world.