Biography

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The long-awaited album of classic and original blues from one of the hardest working, most-traveled horn players in the business. Produced by Mike Zito, with guests Tinsley Ellis, Anders Osborne, Jonn Del Toro Richardson, and more.

On the long drives during Mike Zito and The Wheel’s last European tour, the conversation turned to what Jimmy Carpenter should do next. “You need to make a blues sax record”, says Zito, “a no-frills, straight-up blues album. That’s what your fans want to hear, and I want to produce it.” An interesting idea, and fitting: a 30+-year veteran of the Blues world, Jimmy had never made a real Blues record. It made sense, and concept became reality soon thereafter: Jimmy Carpenter Plays The Blues was recorded at NOLA Studios in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, and a new chapter in his career began.

Multiple Blues Music Award-nominee Jimmy Carpenter’s career has spanned over 35 years, and he shows no sign of slowing down. The saxophonist, singer/songwriter/arranger began playing professionally in North Carolina in 1980. He toured the globe with Tinsley Ellis, Jimmy Thackery, and, after a move to New Orleans in 2004, with Walter Wolfman Washington, Eric Lindell, Honey Island Swamp Band, and most recently, his long-time friend and musical cohort, Mike Zito. These days he is also Assistant Talent Buyer and Musical Director of The Big Blues Bender In Las Vegas. Plays the Blues is his third solo album, following Walk Away, (2014, Vizztone VTJC14) and Toiling in Obscurity, (self-release, 2008). He continues to tour internationally with his own band, and often as a special guest on major festivals all over the world and with his many friends in the blues community.