So nice to hear Cyrus mentioned Ray Bryant. Mr. Chestnut is definitely apart of that school of gospel inspired piano which Ramsey Lewis, Les McCann and Bobby Timmons belong to.

What a beautiful, intelligent, humble musician. I studied at Berklee the same time Cyrus Chestnut was a student. I would have never guessed, from the times I saw him playing in "sessions," that he every had a case of "nerves."

What an awesome interview from one of the greatest jazz pianists in the world. Thank you Cyrus Chestnut for what you've said in this interview and for continuing to bless the world with your wonderful music.

Wow, I was at Berklee with Cyrus, and I TOTALLY remember that masterclass assembly with Betty Carter and the entire Performance Center chanting, "Cyrus! Cyrus! Cyrus!" I've actually share that story many times over the years, because it made such an impression on me. And to Cyrus, if you ever read this... If you were sweating bullets, I would have never known. You seemed so poised and totally pro. We all thought you killed it! The part of the story I didn't know was that you were napping right before being dragged on stage! LOL

I seen you at a Abyssinian Baptist Church many times many times when you visit Detroit I love your music in your spirit may God bless you and Betty Carter!

I was at that master class at Berklee. And, it happened just the way he said, only I didn't know that he was that nervous. He was such a great player, who would have ever thought he would have been that nervous. He played great.

Great story about Betty Carter. Cattier alters the melody of her performances with a lusty taste for dissonance. It’s possible that she honestly liked singing a song in one key accompanied by a pianist in a key five steps away. I would have been thrown off key. They both got through it. Chestnut was skillful enough to not get thrown off and she appreciated him for that at least. What a sweet sweet man.

I was there too in the Berklee PC watching Betty Carter. I thought I heard her say key of B. I had so much respect for Cyrus getting up there. I'll never forget that.

I remember Betty Carter at Berklee well! Cyrus... Cyrus... CYRUS! CYRUS!!!

Great Berklee story! I was there and saw the whole thing!

Cyrus speaks so candidly about the many nuances of becoming a great jazz artist that have been lost to the 'come on in and go out a master' approach to the music. It was good to run into you and see that you do practice what you preach. Still the nicest guy you ever want to meet. Thanks for your artistry.

Great interview! As we know he ended up getting the gig with Betty Carter. He really tells it how it’s is. There is no room for ego in music. Thanks for posting.

I, too, have had my ass handed to me -- at Berklee, and at many venues. What is important is not to flip from arrogance to giving up altogether. Thankfully Cyrus avoided that fate. Great interview.

What a great video, love the stories!! Great experiences and lesson on arrogance - AMEN to that!!!!! No room for arrogance in art.

Awesomely frank and candid interview. Thanks for sharing.

This was soo good. There is always something to learn..

Seems like such a great guy. I love his music also.

So instructive and relatable on a human level. This is where I do my best learning and this interview was an edifying as a learning experience next to enduring embarrassment on a personal level as I could ever attain..Thank you.

I saw Cyrus playing with Betty Carter in Toronto around 1990-1992 or so. Then Later saw him at the Village Vanguard in New York in 1995. A great player a real gentleman.

That was fantastic!

funny key of G...body and soul! i can relate..Clarence Palmer on B-3 knows songs in his keys! I sweated 3 nights per week..3 months!

Good stuff Cyrus.

Spell check on this video.

I hate people, sincerely.