Joe Holt is a pianist known for his whimsical improvisations and joy-filled performances, along with being a sensitive accompanist and collaborator. His formal studies span jazz and classical, and the influence of both worlds can be heard in his uniquely melodic approach to the piano. Though rightly considered a jazz pianist in the classic traditions, Joe is best described not with a stylistic label but by his engaging performances; in and for the moment, creating a space for all in the audience to join him. Jazz fans will appreciate Joe, but so will those for whom "jazz" may not be so appealing.
From his teenage years in the 1970's on, Joe has been a full time musician. After moving from the greater Philadelphia area to the DelMarVa Peninsula in the early 1990's, his regional network broadened to also include the Baltimore/Washington corridor and the Delaware/Maryland beach resorts. Joe has also toured and performed throughout the continental US in solo piano concerts and tradition-minded jazz festivals. Closer to home, Joe's musical experiences and contributions have ranged from cruise and casino work, to concert curator and host, to long standing collaborations with jazz instrumentalists, vocalists and singer/songwriters, to "unsupervised" solo piano appearances and events. Joe's performances forge a bond and a shared experience with his audiences.
The ever tasteful soloist extraordinaire" - Cam Miller, The American Rag
"An excellent stride/swing pianist." - Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene
"An exquisite interpreter of song" - Raul DaGama, JazzDaGama
"The genuine article" - Ed Wise, Tri-State Jazz Society
"Incomparable" - Joe Midiri - clarinetist
"Truly extraordinary" - Sharon Sable - vocalist
"Audiences LOVE HIM, and so do I!" Paula Johns - vocalist
"Who needs a jazz band when you’ve got Joe Holt? He's quite simply the best." Beth McDonald - singer/songwriter
Partial listing of musical activities and experiences (some dates approximate):
1975 - Formed first working musical group with Joe and Paul Midiri
1977 - Received NJ driver's license, began private piano teaching and juggling several bands in the greater Philadelphia area. Soon working/gigging 5-7 nights/week, along with in-home piano teaching.
1978 - Graduated Triton Regional High School, receiving Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.
1978 - House accompanist for weekly “Amateur Night” at Crazy Horse Saloon, Barrington, NJ. (see newspaper article in photo gallery). Through 1980
1978 - Began studies in Glassboro State College (NJ), mostly part time. graduating with a BA in music in 1986. Inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda honors society in 1983
1979 - Began duties as organist/music director of Immanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Bellmawr. NJ. “Retired” in 1990
1980 - Began performing solo “Roots of Jazz Piano” and worship piano concerts, expanding to churches throughout the east coast and midwest, extending into the mid 1990s.
1980s - Studied (most notably), classical piano with Yoheved Kaplinsky, jazz piano with Don Glanden, and classical organ with Dennis Elwell
1984 - Began 11 year run as “Picnic Pianist” in the Cherry Hill Mall ("Picnic at Cherry Hill"). 5-6 days/week for the first several years, seasonal thereafter. (see newspaper article in photo gallery). Through 1995
1993 - Began 6 day/week solo piano schedule in the Showboat Casino/Hotel lobby, in Atlantic City, continuing several years, moving over to the band stage with the Midiri Brothers (see picture in photo gallery).
1994 - Began building a network of senior community entertainment/performance contracts, including Heron Point, in Chestertown MD, where I continue to perform monthly, along with accompanying the weekly Sunday afternoon vespers services.
1997 - Received board Certification in Music Therapy (MT-BC) with ongoing contracts in 30 communities in NJ/PA/DE/MD. (began gradually pulling back in late 2000s, eventually ending music therapy practice)
2003 - Began serving on ministry staff at Chestertown Church of the Nazarene as Worship Arts Director. Responsibilities included training and shepherding musicians. Through 2006.
2006 - Joined the Midiri Brothers touring band, performing in concerts and traditional jazz festivals throughout the continental US. Through 2008.
2006 - Began performing with "Shore Jazz", based in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Ongoing (see Shore Jazz page, on this site).
2007 - Musical Director for various theatrical shows at the Garfield Center for the Arts, in Chestertown, and Church Hill Theatre, in Church Hill, MD. Through 2010
2009 - Began performing frequently for American Cruise Lines, as a walk-on entertainer, at ports along the Chesapeake Bay. Through 2019.
2010 - Musical Director/accompanist for annual Women Helping Women fundraising concert at the Garfield Center for the arts, in Chestertown, MD. Through 2020.
2010 - Accompanist/musical partner for singer/songwriter Beth McDonald. Many venues, many album releases. (see "Beth Sings" page)
2013 - “Piano Bar” rotation at JR's Pub in Chestertown, MD. Through 2016.
2016 - “Mainstay Mondays” at the Mainstay in Rock Hall, MD. A weekly series where Joe curated and performed concerts with a wide variety of guest artists. Roughly 200 shows in all. Through 2021.
2017 - Began performing for VBT bicycling Vacations Eastern Shore itenary, in Rock Hall. MD. similar to American Cruise Lines performances (see above).
2017 - Directed Washington College Jazz Combo. Through 2020.
2022 - “First Friday with Joe Holt”, at the Mainstay. A monthly series, continuing in the Mainstay Monday tradition. through 2025.
2023 - Co-released “Once Upon a Summertime - The Music of Blossom Dearie” with Sharon Sable. Many performances in the Wilmington, DE area and beyond. Ongoing. (see Blossom Dearie Project page). Follow the journey.
2024 - Joined piano teaching staff at Music and Arts, in Dover, DE. Ongoing
2025 - 50th anniversary of original trio with the Midiri Brothers (see Midiri Brothers Trio page)