The Simon Rowe Trio feat. Deszon Claibourne and Eric Markowitz

Keys Jazz Bistro founder Simon Rowe makes a rare appearance on piano for this special trio performance, reuniting with two longtime collaborators who have become essential voices in Bay Area jazz. Drummer Deszon Claiborne brings four decades of musical experience spanning jazz, blues, and world music, having performed with legends like Peter Apfelbaum, Don Cherry, Les McCann, and Taj Mahal. Bassist Eric Markowitz established himself as a first-call musician in the Bay Area after a decade as one of St. Louis's top bassists, known for his versatility across mainstream jazz, hard bop, and blues.

The chemistry between these three musicians has developed through years of collaboration, creating what the venue describes as "a close connection, on and off the stand." Rowe, who typically appears on Hammond B3 organ for his late-night trio sets, switches to piano for this intimate evening — a format he explored on his recordings "Flamingo" (featuring liner notes by distinguished jazz historian Nat Hentoff) and "Live at The Hodo," captured during his residency at the Hotel Donaldson in Fargo, North Dakota.

Expect an evening rooted in the classic piano trio tradition — the interplay between piano, bass, and drums that has been a cornerstone of jazz since the bebop era. Rowe's background as director of the Brubeck Institute at the University of the Pacific brings both academic depth and practical experience to his playing, while Claiborne's extensive work as an educator (Berkeley Jazz School, Stanford Jazz Camp) and Markowitz's reputation as a "celebrated Bay Area standout" promise sophisticated musicianship and tight ensemble work.

This is one of two shows that evening, allowing audiences to experience the trio's dynamic in Keys' intimate 125-seat room, anchored by its Yamaha grand piano and known for its warm, natural sound that benefits from the venue's supper club dimensions.