On Thursday, June 18, Deftet brings classic, old-school jazz to Shore Sessions at Watermark. For over twenty years, this collective of master musicians has been a defining force in the Jersey Shore jazz scene, and now they’re gathering for an evening of soulful improvisation and deep rhythm.

From the driving swing of the rhythm section to the soaring melodies of the horns and piano, every note carries the weight of decades spent on stages large and small. This is jazz played by masters who have shared bandstands with legends, but more importantly, it’s jazz played for the pure joy of it.

Settle in and let the music wash over you. No cover. No reservations. Just great music and some of the best ocean views in Asbury Park. Come early, stay late and lose yourself in the sound.

About the Musicians:

Matthew Makrinos is the drummer and driving force behind Deftet. A SoulTone Cymbals artist, he has worked with icons including Stanley Jordan, Mike Clark and Stanton Moore.

Joseph M. Peterson is the group’s bassist and musical director. A BMI-affiliated artist with an MA from Rutgers, he has hosted NPR’s Jazz from the Archives and performed for nearly three decades.

James Gibbs III is a trumpeter, producer and artist known as King James III. A protégé of Betty Carter, he has contributed to over 50 recordings and several major TV themes.

Steve Myerson is a versatile pianist and member of the George Coleman Quintet. He has performed with Christian McBride and Grover Washington Jr., and serves on the jazz faculty at William Paterson University.