Today Harbinger Magazine is interviewing John Carpino, a talented musician, composer and recording artist with his own studio. John lives in Williams, Arizona, the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Carpino is a performer on the Grand Canyon Railway entertaining passengers while they ride the train to the Grand Canyon. If you visit the mountain town of Williams you can Hear John making music on the patio at Cruisers restaurant, playing songs we all know and love.
Thank you for giving us this interview. John, tell us how long have you been playing guitar, and do you play any other instruments?
JC: I started playing guitar at the age of 16, mostly self taught. As a young teen I wanted to be a football player but I was small and kept getting hurt so I said, “This is crazy, I think I’ll play guitar” and fell in love with the instrument. Yes, I play several instruments – mainly guitar, piano, bass guitar and harmonica. Being a music major in college, I had to learn the basics on all the instruments – brass, woodwind and percussion. On one of my studio recordings I played trombone twice and trumpet twice so the track features a four piece brass section.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in Williams?
JC: I was born in Kalispell, Montana, raised in Western Montana and lived in Colorado for several years. We’ve lived in Northern Arizona since 1987. I started performing in Williams in 2008 and we became fulltime residents in 2012. My wife and I love this little town.
How long have you been playing and describe your vintage attire?
JC: I’ve been a musician on the Grand Canyon Railway since 2012 – a unique performing experience. I dress vintage with a nice vest, pinstripe pants, a bolo tie, a pocket watch and a cool hat.
We understand you compose your own songs and have produced many CDs over the years. How many albums have you created, and can they be found?
JC: Songwriting has been a passion of mine since I was a teenager. I have released 7 albums of original material and have contributed on numerous side projects. I’ve put my entire catalog on a USB drive which includes 7 albums, 86 original songs, 9 videos, newspaper articles and radio interviews about my songwriting. My CD’s and the USB drive can be purchased from my website – www.johncarpino.com
I was also humbled and honored to arrange, perform and produce over 50 songs written by our combat veterans, some of which are housed in the Smithsonian museum in Washington D.C.
Recently you have acquired a local community radio station, KZBX 92.1 FM, tell us about that?
JC: I’ve recently taken over operations at KZBX 92.1 FM a community radio station. Williams is responding wonderfully to our playlist and, more importantly, our commitment to community. We feature a totally unique format musically – “Feel good” oldies, tasty album cuts, all seasoned with a dash of vintage country. Bon appetite! We hope to be streaming on-line in the near future so, stay tuned! (pun intended).
You perform a duet with your wife, tell us about that?
JC: In addition to my solo/acoustic shows, my wife Lu Carpino and I perform as a duo. She’s an amazing vocalist, keyboardist and percussionist and her harmonies add the “icing on the cake” to our shows.
In the past you have put together your own band. Are you still playing with them? What is the name of your group and who are the members?
JC: Lu and I also front a five-piece variety rock band – “John Carpino and the HOT Cappuccinos”. We play a wonderful variety of music – everything from Bob Marley to Chris Stapleton to the Rolling Stones, along with originals. Our line up consists of David Brooks on bass guitar, Chris Blum on drums, Billy Ichida on lead guitar, Lu Carpino on keyboard, vocal and percussion and myself on guitar, keyboard, harmonica and vocals. We’re energetic and a lot of fun! Your readers can check my website for upcoming shows.
What is your source of inspiration?
JC: I was inspired by so many artists that I heard on the radio as a young teen. I was practically glued to the radio. I cut my teeth on the great singer/songwriters of the 1970s.
What plans do you have for the future?
JC: I don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon.. I keep writing songs, releasing new material, performing live, running a small town radio station and enjoying life to the fullest.. I feel so blessed to do what I love and love what I do!
In closing Is there anything you would like to say?
JC: I am honored and humbled to have recently been nominated for the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Just to be nominated is huge!
– Dave Bixby
John Carpino
Singer/songwriter, Producer, Multi-instrumentalist, Educator
Produced and released 7 full length albums of original material plus numerous side projects
One of John’s songs – “Rock and Roll Highway” – reached the #1 position on the independent charts, nationally
Voted “Best of the Rim Country” 14 consecutive years
200+ live shows per year – primarily in North/Central Arizona
In addition to his solo/acoustic shows, John fronts a five-piece variety rock band
John has sold CD’s of original music to fans is 6 continents and 40+ countries
Produced/Recorded 3000+ demos for songwriters from all over the U.S., Canada and Europe
Produced/recorded 50+ songs for our songwriting combat veterans – some of which are housed in the Smithsonian Museum
13 years as a music teacher, 7 in Arizona – Yuma, Sedona and Pine
John has been an advocate for many Northern Arizona musicians, welcoming them on stage and in the studio
John has volunteered at countless community fund raising events/benefits
(Full bio can be found at www.johncarpino.com)
Dave Bixby 
Great guy, great musician and great heart, long live to JC.
Ray Mee 😊