Joe is an improvising pianist, rooted in the classic jazz approaches, and colored with many other influences.

Joe Holt has been a full-time performing musician for over 40 years. Known for his imaginative improvisations and a joy of performing, Joe's formal studies span both jazz and classical, and the influence of both worlds can be heard.

Joe is an improvising pianist, rooted in the classic jazz approaches, and colored with many other influences.

Joe Holt has been a full-time performing musician for over 40 years. Known for his imaginative improvisations and a joy of performing, Joe's formal studies span both jazz and classical, and the influence of both worlds can be heard. Soulful, contemplative, whimsical and hard swinging, his solo performances often evoke the spirit of classic jazz pianists. In this collection, Joe also includes 2 stylistically distinct, freely improvised originals, a gospel style hymn, and an improvisation of a well known Baroque melody (among other detours), keeping a hand in this, and that, and the other thing.

CD liner notes: Classic Jazz piano is where I came in, over 40 years ago, when I began performing professionally. I fell in love with the music as a teenager, and have lived there most of my life. No going back. But I'd also like to believe that I can find my way in other spaces. To that end I've included 2 freely improvised originals, an improvisation on a familiar Baroque melody and a gospel hymn, among other detours, in this collection. A friend says of me that changing lanes is what I do. While this project may reflect some of that, I hope it doesn't present itself as disjointed, instead carrying a common thread of improvising (albeit whimsically at times) in the context, and in the moment. Musical improvisation is its own journey. I hope you enjoy the ride.
Joe