We are excited to share that 2017 CYSO alum Jahari Stampley recently won one of the most prestigious awards in jazz music, the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Competition. Stampley, who released his debut album Still Listening earlier this fall, was a member of CYSO Jazz Orchestra’s inaugural season and will be the recipient of our 2023 Alumni Award.
The competition finals took place on October 15 in New York City and was judged by world-renowned pianists Bill Charlap, Orrin Evans, Herbie Hancock, Hiromi and Danilo Pérez. The New York Times said of Stampley’s playing, “[his] style arrived like a lightning bolt…His playing felt unforced, as if powered from an internal engine. This was an artist you wanted to hear again, and to know more about.”
Stampley win comes with a $50,000 prize and the competition has been a launching pad for many important jazz players over the years. We look forward to seeing Jahari’s star continue to rise!
Check out coverage of Jahari Stampley’s win from NPR, The New York Times, and WRTI.
