Mike Zito is one of the most lauded artists in the contemporary blues arena today, and rightfully so, but for him, the thing that counts the most is maintaining his honesty, authenticity, and integrity. Those qualities have steered Zito’s career since the beginning and continue to define every effort he’s offered since.

In 2022, Zito released the double live album Blues for the Southside. Recorded on November 26, 2021, at the Old Rock House in St. Louis, Missouri, and produced by Mike Zito, Blues for the Southside showcases Zito (guitar, vocals) and his stellar band in full fury with special guests Tony Campanella, Dave Kalz and guitar wizard Eric Gales. After the release of Blues for the Southside, Zito joined forces with Gulf Coast Records label mate Albert Castiglia and created the Blood Brothers tour.

Las Vegas-based Jimmy Carpenter is on a roll. The saxophonist/singer/songwriter is a perennial favorite at the annual Blues Music Awards in Memphis, having been voted in the “Best Instrumentalist/Horn” category with seven nominations and two wins. Now he proves he’s Just Got Started with the release of his new album. Just Got Started was recorded in March at Greaseland Studios in San Jose, California, and was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Christoffer “Kid” Andersen.

Jimmy began his musical journey over 35 years ago. In the ’80s, he toured the East Coast with the renegade blues band, The Alka-Phonics, and in the ’90s with the blues-rock band The Believers, with whom he learned about the music business. Over the years, Jimmy has toured internationally with Tinsley Ellis, Jimmy Thackery, Walter Wolfman Washington, Eric Lindell, and others. In 2012, Jimmy joined Mike Zito, his long-time friend and musical cohort, and recorded and toured as a member of Mike Zito and the Wheel.