Biography
Jimmy Carpenter, born in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a celebrated saxophonist, singer-songwriter, and arranger whose career spans over four decades[1][6]. He began his musical journey in the 1980s, touring the East Coast with The Alka-Phonics, a renegade blues band, and later with The Believers, a blues-rock outfit that provided him valuable experience in the music business[2][9]. Carpenter's dynamic style blends blues, soul, R&B, and rock-n-roll, earning him a reputation for high-energy performances and soulful horn arrangements[1][3].
In the 1990s and 2000s, Carpenter became a sought-after collaborator, touring internationally with renowned artists such as Tinsley Ellis, Jimmy Thackery, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Eric Lindell, and Mike Zito[2][3][5]. He spent many years in New Orleans, where he contributed to the city's vibrant music scene and won a Grammy for co-writing a tune on The New Orleans Nightcrawlers’ album "Atmosphere"[3][5]. Since relocating to Las Vegas in 2015, Carpenter has fronted his own quartet at the Sand Dollar Lounge, served as President of the Las Vegas Blues Society, and acted as Musical Director for The Big Blues Bender festival[1][3][5].
Carpenter’s discography includes six critically acclaimed solo albums, with recent releases such as "Just Got Started" (2024), "The Louisiana Record" (2022), and "Soul Doctor" (2019), all on Gulf Coast Records[3][5]. His artistry has been recognized with multiple Blues Music Award nominations and wins for Best Instrumentalist/Horn in 2021 and 2022[3][7]. Carpenter’s legacy lies in his ability to bridge genres, mentor younger musicians, and elevate the contemporary blues scene through both his performances and organizational leadership.
Fun Facts
- Jimmy Carpenter is a Grammy Award winner for co-writing a tune on The New Orleans Nightcrawlers’ album "Atmosphere"[3][5].
- He has served as President of the Las Vegas Blues Society, helping grow its membership to over 500[1][5].
- Carpenter is the Musical Director and talent buyer for The Big Blues Bender, a major annual blues festival in Las Vegas[1][3][5].
- His album "Just Got Started" debuted at #3 on Apple Blues and #10 on the Billboard Blues Chart[3][5].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Walter 'Wolfman' Washington - Carpenter played with Washington in New Orleans, absorbing his soulful approach to blues and R&B. (Live performances, New Orleans collaborations) [2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Mike Zito - Long-time friend and musical cohort; Carpenter recorded and toured as a member of Mike Zito and the Wheel. (Mike Zito and the Wheel albums and tours) [2012–present]
- Tinsley Ellis - International touring partner; Carpenter played saxophone in Ellis’s band. (Touring and live performances) [2000s–2010s]
- Jimmy Thackery - Touring and recording collaborator. (Touring and live performances) [2000s–2010s]
- Eric Lindell - Touring and recording collaborator. (Touring and live performances) [2000s–2010s]
- Kid Andersen - Producer of Carpenter's recent albums, including "Just Got Started". ("Just Got Started" album) [2024]
Artists Influenced
- The Bender Brass - Carpenter founded and directs this horn section, mentoring younger musicians and shaping the festival’s sound. (Big Blues Bender festival performances) [2015–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Live To Be This | 2025-07-18 | Album |
| Righteous Souls | 2024-07-19 | Album |
| Just Got Started | 2024-09-13 | Album |
| Righteous Souls | 2024-07-19 | Album |
| The Louisiana Record | 2022-09-16 | Album |
| Live To Be This | 2025-07-18 | Album |
| Just Got Started | 2024-09-13 | Album |
| Soul Doctor | 2019-09-20 | Album |
| Plays the Blues | 2017-09-08 | Album |
| Walk Away | 2014-09-23 | Album |
| Just Got Started | 2024-09-13 | Album |
| Blood on My Hands | 2023-09-01 | Album |
| The Louisiana Record | 2022-09-16 | Album |
| The Louisiana Record | 2022-09-16 | Album |
| Soul Doctor | 2019-09-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Don’t Deny Me (Live To Be This)
- I Hear You Knocking (The Louisiana Record)
- Anna Lee (Blood on My Hands)
- You Were Wrong (Righteous Souls)
- Walk Away (Walk Away)
- Soul Doctor (Soul Doctor)
- (Feels Like) I Just Got Started (Just Got Started)
- I Only Gamble With My Heart (Just Got Started)
- Jimmy Plays the Blues (Plays the Blues)
- Change Is Gonna Come (Plays the Blues)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Jimmy Carpenter has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2025 | 20:47 | Walk Awayfrom Walk Away | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold | |
| Nov 3, 2025 | 02:50 | Shine a Lightfrom Toiling in Obscurity | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Oct 20, 2025 | 02:47 | Don't Believe Itfrom Toiling In Obscurity | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis |