In an interview with Jazz Speaks last month, guitarist Lolivone de la Rosa spoke of one of her greatest musical inspirations:

My heroes for a long, long time were the Peter Bernstein Organ Trio with Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart. I had their records on rotation nonstop. That's when I started believing, “I want to sound like this.” By falling in love with that trio, I just wanted to sound like them. 

I'm now writing tunes based on music that I've learned throughout the years from my heroes—making decisions based on their stylistic approach. This includes a tune called PB & J, and it's a tribute to Peter Bernstein. It’s based off of a song he wrote for his dog called “Bones.” 

Like de la Rosa, Bernstein himself was once an up-and-coming guitarist on the New York scene. Just out of school in 1990, Bernstein was invited to perform as part of guitarist Jim Hall’s Invitational Concert at the JVC Jazz Festival—a real jumping-off point. This week, Bernstein hosts a guitar invitational of his own, sharing the stage with Pasquale Grasso on Friday and Charles Altura on Saturday.

Before coming out to hear these next-generation guitarists (and hear their exciting range of style), take a listen to Grasso solo on the standard “Cherokee”…

…and Altura soar dreamily through Bobby Hutcherson’s tune “Montara.”

Peter Bernstein’s Guitar Invitational takes places at The Jazz Gallery on Friday, March 10, and Saturday, March 11, 2023. On Friday, Mr. Bernstein will be joined by Pasquale Grasso on guitar, David Wong on bass, and Andy Watson on drums. On Saturday, Bernstein will be joined by Charles Altura on guitar, Ben Street on bass, and Eric McPherson on drums. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. E.S.T. each night. $30 general admission ($15 for members, $10 for student members), $40 reserved cabaret seating ($25 for members), $20 livestream access ($5 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.