About

Condensed bio for fast decision-making.

Chris DePino is a Connecticut-based jazz harmonica player, educator, and session musician. He began performing professionally in 1971 while working as a train conductor for Metro-North, and in 1978 he focused on chromatic harmonica—expanding into jazz repertoire.

He has studied with leading players including Robert Bonfiglio, Hendrik Meurkens, and Yotam Ben-Or, and has performed with notable musicians including Czech trumpeter Laco Deczi—touring and recording in Europe. His work blends jazz standards, Great American Songbook material, bossa nova, and original music.

Full bio: chrisdepino.com/ChrisDePinoBio.html

What You’re Booking

• Jazz harmonica (chromatic & diatonic) + vocals
• Professional, audience-aware pacing for listening rooms
• Flexible ensemble size (trio/quartet options)

Where It Works Best

• Concert series, cultural orgs, private clubs & special events
• Jazz clubs & listening rooms
• Restaurants, piano bars, and live music venues

Programs

Just Jazz Quartet

A one-of-a-kind jazz experience led by Chris on chromatic harmonica, featuring a handpicked ensemble of Connecticut musicians tailored to your event.

Learn more / Book the Quartet

Lessons & Recording Sessions

Private harmonica instruction and professional recording/session availability for jazz and blues projects.

Lessons & Recording Info

Testimonials

Audience & press reactions.

“By the end of the night, the band was in a groove, and the audience was on its feet.”
— New Haven Arts Paper (Milford Arts Council / The MAC), “Harmonica At The Helm” (Jan 20, 2026)
“Chris is knocking the house down.”

“I can’t believe we have this talent here locally.”
— Audience members, sold-out Milford performance (Watch audience reactions)

Press Highlights

Credibility at a glance.

New Haven Arts Paper — “Harmonica At The Helm, A Joyful Jazz Quartet Pulls Into The MAC” (Jan 20, 2026) Read
New Haven Independent — “From Behind The Iron Curtain, With Trumpet” by Neena Satija (Sept 16, 2011) Read
Hartford Courant — Presidential Palace performance in Prague (Oct 18, 2011) Read
Prague Jazz — “Deczi & DePino” (Nov 16, 2013) Read
New Haven Independent — “DePino Floors The Czechs” (Aug 2, 2010) Read

Full press page: chrisdepino.com/press.html

Photos

Click any photo to download/save

Chris DePino press photo 1
Chris DePino press photo 2
Chris DePino headshot
Chris DePino press photo 3
Chris DePino performance photo 1
Chris DePino performance photo 2

Booking

Contact information and inquiry details.

Contact

Email: chrisdepinomusic@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (860) 305-9881
Website: chrisdepino.com

Use the Contact Form

Inquiry Details

• Venue/event name + location
• Date(s) you’re considering
• Set length (e.g., 60–90 min concert, 2–3 sets, etc.)
• Ensemble preference (trio/quartet)