Release date: 28 March 2025

Sultan Stevenson Piano

Jacob Gryn Bass

Joel Waters Drums

Guest Personnel

Soweto Kinch Tenor Saxophone

Josh Short Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Sultan Stevenson, a rising talent in the UK and European jazz scenes, is set to release his evocative new album, El Roi, on 28th March. This new album marks Stevenson’s continued exploration of profound themes, blending rich jazz traditions with personal storytelling to navigate the intricate landscapes of faith and identity.

El Roi, Hebrew for the biblical God of Sight, serves as a thematic bridge between faith and perception. “The title binds together these two themes well. ‘God’ refers to faith and ‘sight’ refers to how one is seen and how you perceive the world around you,” Stevenson explains. This album builds upon the foundation laid by his debut, Faithful One, where he delved into faith-based experiences like prayer and gratitude.

Stevenson’s compositions are deeply influenced by jazz legends such as McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Kirkland, and Geri Allen. Drawing from their legacy, he crafts a modern sound that remains accessible yet deeply nuanced. “El Roi is about trying to further the themes in my music that have caught my attention artistically and to explore them more clearly and concisely,” Stevenson shares. “It’s a dedication to my heroes and an exploration of the religious and philosophical.”

The album features a blend of intimate trio performances and dynamic collaborations with guest artists Josh Short on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Soweto Kinch on tenor saxophone. These collaborations enrich the album’s texture, adding layers of complexity and emotional depth. “I prioritize dramatic interplay within the trio over overly complex musical ideas,” Stevenson states. “My music is about creating an evolving and relevant sound that connects deeply with audiences.”

El Roi is structured around two central themes: identity and faith. Tracks 3 through 7 form a suite titled Those Who Believe, originally composed for a piano trio in 2022. This suite takes listeners on a transformative journey from a place of doubt to one of unwavering faith, utilising improvisation and recurring motifs to enhance the narrative. “The idea is to take the listener on a journey from a place where there is no hope/belief and transform them to a place of total faith,” Stevenson explains.

The latter half of the album shifts focus to identity, explored through three poignant compositions featuring tenor saxophone and trumpet. “Unspeakable Happiness,” inspired by the phrase from 12 Years a Slave, delves into the redefinition of self, while “Region in My Mind” examines the constancy of the inner spirit. The album culminates with the titular track, El Roi, which intertwines both themes, offering a reflective summary of Stevenson’s artistic and personal journey.

Stevenson’s approach to music emphasises melody and storytelling without sacrificing accessibility. “I give my band members freedom within the framework of my composition,” he notes. “I want the music to become more true rather than just playing the notes.” This philosophy ensures that each track serves as an anchor point for listeners, fostering a deep connection through meaningful titles and evocative melodies.

Beyond the compositions, Stevenson’s live performances are a testament to his dedication to audience engagement. “My audience consists of people who appreciate a high-quality live performance, not just in jazz but in any live art form,” he states. “My interaction with the audience through my music, introductions, presence, body language, and smile is vital.” This holistic approach translates seamlessly into El Roi, where each piece invites listeners to immerse themselves fully in the musical narrative.

With El Roi, Sultan Stevenson continues to solidify his reputation as a thoughtful and innovative voice in contemporary jazz. 

The album is available on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms through Edition Records

Limited Edition Deluxe Vinyl includes:

• Signed Vinyl by Sultan (limited to 100 copies)
• Exclusive video of Sultan talking about the music from El Roi
• Two solo piano recordings

All Vinyl variations are the same colour.