The Steve Carter Trio at the Mazza Castle

Please join us at the Mazza Castle for an evening of music with the Steve Carter Trio

The Steve Carter Trio—featuring Steve Carter on piano, Dennis Smith on fretless electric bass, and Billy Johnson on drums—delivers polished, groove‑infused modern jazz anchored in funky‑Latin rhythms, soulful R&B, and spirited improvisation. Their ensemble interplay is fluid, energetic, and anchored in a deep understanding of Caribbean and Latin jazz traditions. 

Steve Carter formed the Trio after decades as a global sideman, performing with icons such as George Benson, Bobby Womack, Taj Mahal, Pete Escovedo, Don Cherry, The Headhunters, and others. His recorded output includes over 50 original compositions and a gold-certified co-write on a Huey Lewis & the News release, alongside placements in film, television, and video games. 

Dennis Smith contributes a distinctive fretless electric bass voice that blends melodic depth with rhythmic precision. Based in Oakland, he brings experience from Motown sessions and international tours with artists like Pharoah Sanders, Melvin Seals, Samba Ngo, and more. 

Billy Johnson, born in Philadelphia, developed his groove through early work with Patti LaBelle, Donny Hathaway, and Dexter Wansel, before moving to the Bay Area in 1980. He later played with Maze, Santana, MC Hammer, and deeper funk-jazz outfits—bringing decades of tight, responsive drumming to the Trio. 

Their second album, Cosmopolis, earned top‑10 CD honors from All About Jazz and peaked at #17 on the Roots Music Jazz Chart, underscoring their appeal among critics and dedicated listeners alike. 

Live, the Trio captivates with compositions that serve as launching pads for improvisation and rhythmic exploration—a refined yet vibrant sound shaped by each member’s individual legacy and collective chemistry.

Learn More

• Artist Website

• Steve Carter Trio on YouTube

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Doors open at 4 PM with complimentary light refreshments and wine. Music begins promptly at 5 PM. 

Please Note:

• The performance is approximately 75 minutes without intermission.

• Music salons are for adults only.

• No outside food or drink, spiked heels, or pets are permitted.

• The Castle is not wheelchair accessible and tours require walking up and down some stairs.

• The Castle is a non-smoking property.