Kirk Lightsey comes from the Detroit school of piano players, including Tommy Flanagan and Barry Harris. He had an early residency in Detroit with saxophonist Joe Henderson, and was one of the jazz musicians recruited by Berry Gordy at Motown, playing with James Jamerson and Stevie Wonder. He has accompanied many singers such as Betty Carter and Aretha Franklin, Joe Lee Wilson and Gregory Porter.
Following their success at last year’s festival, Kirk Lightsey and his trio return with their unique sound; rooted in the blues & bop tradition but transformed by his orchestration at the piano.