Joe Cartwright
Kansas City Jazz Pianist
Track of the Month-La Luna Negra
Joe Cartwright is a pianist and bandleader. Renowned as a soloist and as a collaborator, he is also a defining figure of the Kansas City jazz tradition.
Joe Cartwright has earned wide recognition for his work on the concert stage and in the recording studio, including international tours through the USIA and Kennedy Center Jazz Ambassador Program.
He is a solo pianist as well as a longtime ensemble leader. He has recorded extensively and has been at the heart of Kansas City’s jazz community for decades, performing with many of the genre’s most respected artists and contributing to nationally broadcast programs such as 12th Street Jump.
He is also the founder of Lafayette Music, a label dedicated to documenting and supporting Kansas City jazz. His recordings and collaborations reflect a lifetime of artistry, mentorship, and musical leadership. His work continues to represent the sound of Kansas City on stages across the country and around the world.
“A sought‑after pianist whose artistry resonates throughout the jazz community.”
— Topeka Jazz, Concert Announcement (2024)
Event list
Upcoming Performances
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4 April
8:00- 11:00
Steve Rigazzi Trio
Doug Auwarter drums and Joe Cartwright piano
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6 April
6:30- 9:30
Emily Dix Trio
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13 April
6:30- 9:30
Joe Cartwright and Steve Rigazzi
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20 April
6:30- 9:30
Emily Dix Trio
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27 April
6:30- 9:30
Joe Cartwright and Steve Rigazzi
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6 May
7:00- 10:30
Joe Cartwright Trio
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13 May
7:00- 10:30
Joe Cartwright Trio
Latest album
Musa Nova
April 20, 2007
‘Musa Nova,’ released April 20, showcases Angela Hagenbach’s rich vocal style across eleven jazz tracks, blending Brazilian influences, ballads, and swing. The album spans over an hour of music and highlights her expressive phrasing and warm, elegant tone.
“I was immediately impressed by Joe’s technique and musicality.”
— Classical Connections, Artist’s Profile: Jazz Pianist Joe Cartwright (2014)
Joe Cartwright on YouTube
Explore a growing collection of performances, archival recordings, and rare footage from across Joe’s career. His channel features everything from early live sessions to recent collaborations, including standout videos like The Patchwork Show recorded in Storm Lake, Iowa in 1979. It is the best place to experience Joe’s playing up close and follow his musical journey through the years.
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