Sean Mason, a jazz pianist and composer currently residing in New York City, is currently establishing himself as one of the leading talents of his generation. Coming from Charlotte, North Carolina, Sean’s musical journey began at the age of 13 when he gravitated towards the piano. He embarked on a self-taught exploration of the instrument, drawing inspiration from the rich musical variety of his upbringing, including gospel, R&B, and soul. This early influence transformed into a distinctive jazz style, uniquely sprinkled with the cultural richness of the American South. Sean’s jazz narrative embraces this heritage by allowing extended periods of groove to grow organically, without the need to rush and fill every musical space. His musical vocabulary is strong, displaying a depth and maturity that sets him apart.
In his role as a bandleader, Sean leads not one but two ensembles: the Sean Mason Trio, based in Charlotte, and the Sean Mason Quintet, based in the heart of New York. Both groups are dedicated to performing Sean’s original compositions. As Sean puts it, “my purpose is to play dance music.” Drawing from folk traditions and the influence of his early hero, Ray Charles, Sean creates a musical sound that goes beyond just its individual elements, resulting in a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. You can listen to “Closure” now on our Spotify Fresh Finds: Slay Selects playlist.