Bernie Capodici is a highly accomplished musician, band leader, producer, and radio host on KPIU RADIO – PUMP IT UP MAGAZINE OFFICIAL RADIO STATION.
He is the founder and percussionist of the internationally recognized band Drivetime, which has been producing hit singles and albums for over a decade. Drivetime’s unique style, described as Urban Organic Jazz, combines elements of jazz, nu jazz, fusion, funk, and Latin music. The band, which includes Gene Terramani on guitar, Jimmy Dell’Orefice on piano and keyboards, Nick Terramani on bass, and JJ Zeller on drums, is known for its electrifying live performances.
Drivetime’s music has been widely recognized and celebrated, with their singles “Getin’ Witit” (2009) featuring Bob Baldwin, “What You Won’t Do For Love” (2012) featuring Justin Guarini, “Lincoln Drive” (2012) featuring Andrew Neu on saxophone, “Mysterious Life” and “California Dreamin'” albums and “Whispers” (2016) becoming #1 most added tracks on the Billboard Jazz Charts.
Bernie’s passion for music began at a young age, as he was trained by his father Charlie Capodici in percussion and congas. He continued his studies at the University of Utah, delving into the world of Latin percussion, and later spent time in the West Indies to immerse himself in the rhythms of the islands. Upon returning to the US, he studied with renowned musicians such as Joe Butara, Harry Hawkins, Doc Gibb’s and David Anchor from Julliard. He has played with multiple jazz bands throughout his career, including Eulipian, Havana Fusion, Stiff Stuff, and Drivetime. He has also made special appearances with notable musicians such as Chuck Reiney, Dexter Wansel, Jonathan Cain and Justin Guarini, and recorded with Bob Baldwin, Andrew Neu, and Justin Guarini. Bernie has even developed and plays his own instrument, the Conga Stix, a 16 pad MIDI Percussion Controller that allows him to control his congas and percussion instruments with ease.
In addition to his work with Drivetime, Bernie Capodici is also a radio host on KPIU Radio, PUMP IT UP MAGAZINE OFFICIAL RADIO STATION where he presents the Drivetime Show, our popular Top 20 smooth jazz hits radio show, which is heard around the world from 7pm to 9pm every day.
