Herbie Hancock Competition Winner Jahari Stampley Releases New Single "To Be Alive"
- Details
- Category: Theatre, Music
- Published on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 15:31
- Written by A&E Contributing Editor
Once in a generation comes a pianist who embodies the legends who have come before him while simultaneously breaking through to new thruways for the evolution of music, and life itself, Jahari Stampley personifies this brilliance.
The gracious virtuosity of 25-year-old piano phenom Jahari Stampley encapsulates a voice akin to revolutionary composers who have defined and expanded genres into musical movements reflecting the times.
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Stampley's sophomore studio album, What A Time (Release Date: September 14, 2025) spotlights a fierce affection for fusing genres of jazz, gospel, classical, hip-hop, and R&B into a dynamic vibe that carries an old-soul charm told through vibrant lead lines, deeply emotive arrangements, and special guests who radiate with eclectic auras. At the heart of What A Time is Jahari's collaboration with his mother/bassist/saxophonist D'Erania Stampley. The love shines through every composition whether tackling narratives of feeling stifled, lost freedoms, saying goodbye, and embracing the moment.
Stampley has released the single "To Be Alive" featured on What A Time, the first of many single releases leading up to the September 14th release date of the full album. Stampley notes, "'To Be Alive' is a reflection of everything that has happened in the world and a reminder to be grateful to be alive. The idea is to be encouraged and uplifted, to keep going and spreading joy." The pianist's meditative sound is at the forefront on "To Be Alive," showcasing his limitless versatility as he performs all the instruments on the track. Dive into "To Be Alive" at this LINK and feel spiritually refreshed (check out the music video on YouTube).
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Stampley comments about What A Time, "I'm incredibly excited to finally share this album with the world. It's been a journey of creativity, growth, and collaboration, and I feel honored to have worked with some truly phenomenal artists on this project. From the soulful brilliance of Keyon Harrold and India Carney, to the deep grooves of Derrick Hodge, the rhythmic genius of Luke Titus, Mike Mitchell, Miguel Russell and JongKuk Kim, to the lyrical power of Elton Aura -- each artist brought something special that helped elevate the music in ways I couldn't have imagined. I also had the immense privilege of creating alongside my mother, D'Erania Stampley, whose influence on my life and music runs deep. Voices like Motswedi Modiba, Michael Blume, Nicola Caminiti, Stefan Haerle and many more contributed to making this album a true reflection of community, exploration, and soul. I'm proud of what we've created together, and I can't wait for you to hear it."
The Jahari Stampley Family Trio is performing at venerable venues across the globe in support of What A Time. To view his latest tour dates, please visit: jaharistampley.com/tour.
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About Jahari Stampley
In 2023, Jahari Stampley took first place in the Piano category in the Herbie Hancock Institute International Competition. 2023 was a breakout year for the Chicago-born pianist who was also honored the "2023 Chicagoan Of The Year In Jazz" by the Chicago Tribune and also the 2023 Honoree of Chicago Symphony Orchestra. At the young age of 25, he was already a member of Stanley Clark's live band and he's been recognized by some incredible musicians for his virtuosity, including Yebba Smith, Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Cory Henry, Jacob Collier, Derrick Hodge, among others. He's performed at Radio City Hall and Carnegie Hall, and was also featured as the pianist playing the part of Bill Withers' keyboardist in the feature film, Spinning Gold. His debut album, Still Listening, rose to #1 on Apple iTunes.
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Jahari Stampley
What A Time
Track Listing:
1. What A Time (Featuring JongKuk Kim, Stefan Haerle, Nicola Caminiti)
2. Freedom In The Journey (Featuring Keyon Harrold, Elton Aura, Luke Titus, Stephane Clement)
3. Dream Again (Featuring India Carney)
4. To Be Alive (Featuring Jahari Stampley)
5. Dear Time (Featuring Michael Blume, Derrick Hodge, Mike Mitchell, Morgan Guerin)
6. Right Here (Featuring MOE, Michael Blume)
7. Journey To Madrid (Featuring D'Erania Stampley, Miguel Russell, Jongkuk Kim, MOE)
8. Rising Tide (Featuring D'Erania Stampley, Miguel Russell, Stefan Haerle)
9. Prelude En'Trance (Featuring D'Erania Stampley, Miguel Russell)
