Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
This summer’s Somers Point Beach Concerts Series just heated up even more with word that stellar blues ‘n’ soul saxman Jimmy Carpenter will perform at the top outdoor summer concert venue in the nation (as voted on by fans last summer in USA Today) Friday, Aug. 23.
For those not familiar with Carpenter, the Las Vegas-based blues musician is a lifelong studio, touring and recording musician, who yours truly had the privilege of working with when I did publicity for Carpenter’s 2019 release, “Soul Doctor,” on Gulf Coast Records.
He’s also the No. 2 guy at the Big Blues Bender (yearly Vegas-based festival) and president of the Las Vegas Blues Society. That’s a lot of hats to wear, but Carpenter pulls it off with aplomb.
Tune In Turn On interviewed Carpenter via email recently. Here’s how it went.
DD: Please introduce yourself to our readers that might not know who Jimmy Carpenter is?
JC: Happy to. I’m a saxophonist, singer, Grammy-winning songwriter, band leader, with two Blues Music Awards and numerous nominations. I am a Gulf Coast Records recording artist about to release my third album on GCR, and sixth overall. After many fantastic years in New Orleans, I now find myself in Las Vegas as talent buyer and musical director for one of the coolest blues fests in the world, the Big Blues Bender. And I am super happy to be out here on the road in New Jersey.
DD: We read where you have a new album coming out. Want talk about it?
JC: I very much want to talk about it (laughs). As I said, it’s my third on Gulf Coast, which is owned by my dear friend for many years, Mike Zito. The album is called, “Just Got Started.” It’s a blend of my originals and some cool covers. When Mike asked if I’d like to work with award-winning producer Kid Andersen, I jumped at the chance, and it really paid off. He took great care of my songs and put together an outstanding band, with legendary bassists Jerry Jemmott (and) Bobby Vega, Derrick D’mar Martin on drums and Jim Pugh on keys. It was an amazing experience and I am very proud of the results. The official release date is September 13, but I am supposed to have copies with me on this tour. The title track is very true: after all these years, I really do feel like I’m just getting started.
DD: You‘ve been the No. 2 guy at the famed Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas for years, involved with the booking and more. How has that position impacted your career?
JC: The Bender has been a life-changer for me. I have learned so much working with that team, booking, scheduling, putting together special shows. And when the business is done I lead the house band, The Bender Brass Band, through numerous sets backing up some fantastic artists. It has allowed me to focus on my solo career rather than always being a sideman. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE being a sideman, but I never had time for my thing before. That has all changed now. And I met my girlfriend Carrie at the Bender, ten years ago and counting. I am a very fortunate man.
DD: I personally had the pleasure of helping to book the Jimmy Carpenter Band for two straight years at the Woodystock Blues Fest in Laughlin (Nevada), then Lake Havasu (Arizona). Isn’t it a cool vibe to play by the Colorado River?
JC: Woodystock is a blast. You are right, it’s a great vibe with the mighty Colorado right behind you. Great people and a beautiful spot.
DD: You’re bringing your band to Somers Point on August 23 for one of Tony Mart’s very cool AtlantiCare Concerts at the Beach. You’ll love the venue and view. Are you stoked?
JC: I am extremely stoked. Carmen and I go way back, and I’ve played this series a couple of times with New Orleans artists. Carmen and Nancy (Marotta, Carmen’s wife) surprised me at a show in Tucson last spring, and we talked about the possibility of coming. A great plan came together, and it’s gonna happen. We’re gonna bring the blues, soul, New Orleans R&B, and a bit of old school rock ‘n’ roll. I really cannot wait.
Info: tonymart.com.
Also This Weekend: Albert Music Hall in Waretown celebrates its 50th anniversary 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, with many special guests from past shows at the Hall. If bluegrass, classic country, folk, Pineland and/or Americana are your thing, definitely consider checking out this unique, 300-plus seat venue right up Route 9. Tickets/info: alberthall.org.
Until next week, Tune in Turn On and please support local music!
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
