Joe Cartwright

Kansas City Jazz Pianist

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Joe Cartwright is a pianist and bandleader. Renowned as a soloist and as a collaborator, he is also a quintessential representative 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 man with gray hair and a beard sitting at a grand piano in a dimly lit, elegant room. The photo is taken through the open lid of the piano, reflecting the man's face. Background includes flowers and wooden furniture.

“A sought‑after pianist whose artistry resonates throughout the jazz community.”

— Topeka Jazz, Concert Announcement (2024)

Event list

  • Concert poster for Joe Cartwright Trio's jazz performance at Ted's Taproom, Kansas City, Missouri, on May 6 and 13 from 7 to 10:30 PM, with a dark jazz club background and the word 'JAZZ' in large letters.

Upcoming Performances

  • Eddie V's Prime Seafood logo with black cursive text and orange uppercase serif text underneath

    4 May

    6:30- 9:30

    Emily Dix Trio

  • Pixelated black and white abstract image

    6 May

    7:00- 10:30

    Joe Cartwright Trio

  • 9 May

    7:00- 10:30

    Deborah Brown Quartet

  • Logo of Eddie V's Prime Seafood with stylized text in black and orange.

    11 May

    6:30- 9:30

    Emily Dix Trio

  • Pixelated white object on black background, unclear

    13 May

    7:00- 10:30

    Joe Cartwright Trio

  • Eddie V's Prime Seafood logo with black script and orange uppercase text

    18 May

    6:30- 9:30

    Emily Dix Trio

  • Eddie V's Prime Seafood logo with black cursive and orange capital letters.

    25 May

    6:30- 9:30

    Joe Cartwright and Steve Rigazzi

  • Joe Cartwright Rhapsody
  • Joe Cartwright Soul Eyes
  • Joe Cartwright Kasnas City Jazz Painist
  • Joe Cartwright Molly Hammer
  • Joe Cartwright Kansas City Jazz 1
  • Luna Negra Joe Cartwright
  • Joe Cartwright and David Basse

“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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