Bill Leavitt

Bill was the chairman of the guitar department at the Berklee College of Music for many years. He is the author of the 3-volume guitar course, “A Modern Method for Guitar”.

I had the honor of studying with Bill while I was a student at Berklee. He was a gracious and inspired teacher, friend, and mentor. Though he chaired a department that often exceeded 1,000 students, Bill was never too busy to answer a question or address a problem.

I remember him fondly.

You can read about John's memories of Bill Leavitt in John's Journal.

Brian Glassman, Don Stiernberg, John Carlini

This photo was taken during a performance at Shanghai Jazz in Madison, NJ. When you’re working with this caliber of musician, every night is a great night!

John Carlini and Carlo Aonzo

Whenever I have an opportunity to play with the incredible mandolinist, Carlo Aonzo, from Savona, Italy, memories are instantly created.

Here we performed at the beautiful Highlawn Pavillion, in West Orange, NJ, overlooking the Manhattan skyline. One of the pieces Carlo and I played was a movement from a Bach French Suite.

I was so terrified I practiced for a week straight.

For Carlo… "is no problem".

Surprise Visitor!

Guitarist, Tony Rice (center) dropped by John's home for a visit in between tour dates. On the left is world-class guitar technician/Apple Computer Creative, Peter Becker.

Dan Miller

Dan is the publisher of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, for which I have been writing a column since 1999.

Some of you may be unaware that Dan was a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps for 14 years!

Baseball Break

(l to R) Life-time Cubs fans, Blue Night Records President, Steven Briggs, mandolinist, Don Stiernberg, recording engineer, Steve Rashid, and life-time Yankee fan, John C. take a break at Chicago’s revered Wrigley Field between recording sessions for their all-Gershwin CD, “By George”.

John Carlini and Enrique Coria

Here are two former guitarists with The David Grisman Quintet!

Enrique was with the group for many years. He is a beautiful player whose talents are amply displayed on his recordings for Acoustic Disc. He is a musician with a distinctive Argentinean flair!

Federico DeLaurentiis and John Carlini

This is a rare photo of Federico, son of Dino DeLaurentiis, during the production of the film, “King of the Gypsies”.

I was very fortunate to have been able to spend a lot of time with Federico. He was an incredibly gifted and insightful film producer.

Tragically, he was killed in a plane collision over Alaska in 1981.

John Carlini and Bill Keith

Here I am with one of my musical heroes, banjo innovator, Bill Keith.

As a teenager, I was “bitten” by the bluegrass banjo “bug” and pursued the styling of the great Earl Scruggs.

When I heard Bill play at a festival, my head nearly fell off my shoulders! He helped me on the banjo tremendously and we have done some playing over the years.

Here we are at the Steve Kaufman Kamp in Maryville, TN.

Louise Trotter and John Carlini

Houston-based, Louise Trotter, is a fantastic harpist who specializes in Country and Western music and also plays brilliant classical and show tunes.

After having played several concerts together Louise asked me to play on her recording, “Fly Me To The Moon”.

How could I resist?

The John Carlini Quartet

at The Red Bank Jazz Festival

Here I am with drummer, Steve Johns, tenor sax player, Jim Pellegrino, and bassist, Steve Freeman at this great NJ Shore venue.

Jim and I play lots of gigs together and spend time afterwards talking about the greats… Coltrane, Miles, Monk, Bill Evans…

John Carlini and Stephane Grappelli

Backstage at The Blue Note in New York City.

What can I say?

I’m awestruck!!

On the Set of "King of the Gypsies"

L to R: John Carlini, Stephane Grappelli, Buell Niedlinger, Diz Dizley 

The Gypsy Band

This is the soundtrack band from the film, "King of the Gypsies".

We recorded David Grisman's great score, but unfortunately, the recording was never released. I wrote the orchestrations and arrangements.

From left to right (hold on!), Andy Statman, Stephane Grappelli, Diz Disley (seated), John Carlini, Ray Brown(!), Federico DeLaurentiis, David Grisman, Bill Wolf (sound engineer), and Tony Rice! Wow!! 

Tex Logan Retirement Party

After more than three decades of brilliant work at the Bell Labs research facility in Murray Hill, New Jersey, Tex said to me,  "John, I want to show these folks how to party. Let's put a bluegrass band together".

L to R: Bernie Coveney, Todd Collins, Jim Baldessari,

Dr. Benjamin 'Tex' Logan, John Carlini, Greg Cohen,

Barry Mitterhoff.

Tony Mottola

In the middle is a guitar icon/hero, Tony Mottola.

On the right is jazz guitarist, Eddy Berg.

Eddy brought me over to Tony’s house and introduced us.

What a thrill!

Vassar

Here is NJ bluegrass mandolinist, Mike Madan and, yes, in the middle is the great Vassar Clements, with “yours truly” on the 5-string.

Chuck Slate Quartet

Members of the Chuck Slate Dixieland Quartet are (left to right) Dave Hanright (trumpet), John Carlini, (guitar), Chuck Slate (drums), and Jim Andrews (piano).

When I came off the road after 8 years with the Ice Capades, Chuck hired me and we played many gigs together.

Those guys know the tunes and they know the right changes and melodies.

I “went to school” on them and learned all over again!