Inspired by some of the most influential jazz singer/pianists like Nat King Cole, Ray Charles and Shirley Horn, Ayres has strived to continue that tradition with his own trio, performing songs from the Great American Songbook as well as some of his own compositions and pop arrangements like 90s hit “Hand in My Pocket”.

Ayres has performed on major stages and music festivals along the East coast and Midwest, including Birdland Jazz Club, The Blue Note, Brooklyn Bowl, Bowery Ballroom, Hippodrome Theater, Point Fest and featured as an artist for the Jazz on the lawn series in Atlanta for the 3rd consecutive year. Pete has performed alongside pop artists like Gavin DeGraw and Mat Kearney. He has also performed with The Young New Yorkers’ Chorus on the popular NPR podcast “Radiolab” and at one of the most renowned venues in the world, Carnegie Hall.

Ayres’ latest EP titled Brooklyn Garden is now available on all streaming platforms as well as for purchase. He is set to release his second EP with accomplished pianist Sharik Hasan in the spring of 2026.