Shore Jazz Trio booking shows at local venues

Carrying on a tradition pioneered by jazz pianist Len Grazier on the Delmarva Peninsula, the latest incarnation of Grazier's Shore Jazz Trio performed recently at Old Bay to kick off a new spring season at the beach.

With Shore Jazz veterans John Ewart on saxophone and Mike McShane on percussion, accomplished "stride" pianist Joe Holt joined the pair and quickly fell into the swing.

Performing jazz standards and favorites such as "So What" and "Agua de Beber," the trio kept drinks flowing and toes tapping at Old Bay.

"Len Grazier passed away in 2005, but we've been able to carry on the Shore Jazz name in his memory," Ewart said. "Mike and I have been playing with Shore Jazz for the last 15 years."

The show at Old Bay jumpstarted the season for the Shore Jazz  ensemble, founded by Grazier in 1964 to promote and preserve American jazz music on the peninsula.

The trio has shows lined up through the spring and summer seasons at Jerry's Seafood in Lewes and is continuing to fill up the calendar through the upcoming season.

For more information or to listen to their instrumentals, go to shorejazz.com or reverbnation.com/shorejazz. To book future shows, call 302-381-0578.