BATH— The jazz band the Cyrus Chestnut Trio plans to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at The Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington St., in Bath.

Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut balances his lithe technical skill with a soulful style that speaks to his deep gospel roots and love of swinging hard bop, according to news release from the center.

Raised in the church, he learned how to infuse his swinging, classically trained style with a warm gospel sound, a style that first marked his work as a sideman, backing legendary vocalists Jon Hendricks and Betty Carter, as well as with instrumentalists like Donald Harrison and Wynton Marsalis. His leadership and prowess as a soloist has also led him to be a first call for the piano chair in many big bands including the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All Star Big Band, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra.

Joined by bassist Dezron Douglass and drummer Neal Smith, he continually uses the trio format to extend, elaborate and refine the basic conception of the jazz rhythm section.

Chestnut’s second CD, “Earth Stories,” came out in 1996, and drew the attention of listeners and accolades from critics for seamless and powerful weaving of gospel, jazz, and blues. A few years later and to great acclaim, Chestnut reinterpreted Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Tickets cost $35 in advance, $40 day of show or $30 for students/seniors.

For more information visit chocolatechurcharts.org.