This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
WHO HE IS: A Baltimore-born pianist with a light-fingered style and impeccable technique, the 40-year-old Cyrus Chestnut has a melodically rich sound equally influenced by classic post-bop and timeless gospel hymns.
WHAT THIS IS: His 11th album as a leader, the import release You Are My Sunshine presents a transfixing 70-minute program of Chestnut’s refined delivery, gorgeous grooves and magnificently melodic solos, bolstered by crisp performances from his understated rhythm section. Most of these inviting instrumentals have a spiritual cast to them, but ultimately, you only need to worship at the altar of jazz to appreciate superb cuts like For the Saints, Precious Lord and Sweet Hour of Prayer.
