Chris DeVito

Chris DeVito is a jazz pianist born New York City into a family of avid jazz fans and musicians and has played the piano nearly every day since inheriting a piano from his grandfather, a stride pianist, at age 3. His earliest jazz influence was his other grandfather, an accomplished jazz bassist.

He has been playing solo jazz piano at the on Thursday nights since February, performed both as leader and sideman at Shanghai Jazz, Trumpets, and conducted a series of solo piano concerts and lectures for the 125th birthday of stride pianist James P. Johnson sponsored by the New Brunswick Jazz Project.

Chris has performed with Greg Grispart, John Lenis, Gavin Davies, Audra Mariel, Destiny Autumn, Eric Wyatt, Antionette Montague, the Spirit of Life Ensemble, Dr. AALi's Twilight Jazz Band, Annette St. John, Maria Lazzaaro, the Frank Grasso Quintet, Ben Rubens, Don Guillaume, Laurie Vega, Sarah James, Gerry Cappuccio, Joe Peterson, Dan Weeks, Mike Noordzy, Jeff Lopez, Hilliard Green, Curtis Lundy, Ian Kenselaar, Danielle Illario, Michael Logon, Chris Berger among many others.

Chris first began teaching piano as a teenager. He is the founder of Blue Truffle Music, LLC, a small independent music company dedicated to the “Art of Fine Jazz”, an associate member of the Jazz Journalists Association, treasurer of the New Brunswick Jazz Project and Watchung Arts Center board member.

Chris studied jazz piano with Greg Murphy, Dave Frank, Rio Clemente, jazz theory with Ed Byrne since he started classical piano with Mrs. Hohmann at age 7.

Chris DeVito Quintet – Watchung Arts Center – February 14, 2026

Chris DeVito Trio, featuring John Lenis, bass and Gavin Davies, drums
Black Orpheus – December 6, 2024 @ Blue Truffle Music Studio, Warren, NJ