Carl Restivo's unique ability as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, live performer, writer, producer, and arranger has opened ears and eyes everywhere. Most notably it has landed him on bass and then guitar in Perry Farrell's Satellite Party and on guitar and bass in Tom Morello's Freedom Fighter Orchestra.
His past New York bands, Klick and Colfax Road were among the hottest regional acts playing numerous packed gigs throughout New York including The Mercury Lounge, Suite 16, Crash Mansion, and CBGB's. Sometimes performing as a trio, sometimes as a ten piece band with horns and background singers, always combining classic rock and old school hip hop beats, with a hint of reggae undertones.
As a producer/writer/arranger it's been his multi instrumentalist and multi genre experience that has led to some of his most significant professional accomplishments. Working hand in hand with Wyclef Jean, Carl had a special creative influence in helping to develop and record The Preachers Son album. Carl and Wyclef co-wrote the song "Linda" for the record and Carl was one of the featured artists, an honor he shared with the likes of Carlos Santana, Missy Elliott, Redman, and other All Stars.
Most recently Carl has co-written and a song with Perry Farrell called "Go All The Way (Into The Twilight)" that was released on the Twilight Soundtrack.
Carl has recorded, produced and/or written songs with Wyclef Jean, Perry Farrell, Jerry Wonda, 50 Cent, Kelly Rowland, Nuno Bettencourt, Gary Cherone, Salt (Salt N Pepa), Mick Mars, Dug Pinnick, Dilana, Sully Enra (Godsmack), Criss Angel, Steve Perry, Patti LaBelle, Buju Banton, Big Pun, Peter Gunz & Lord Tariq, Corey Gunz, Kurupt, Xzibit, Ed Palermo, Monkey Boyz, Patricia Bernetti, Meleni Smith, Barry Beama, Boogie Rok, Spinmaster KNS, Joey Heredia, Shut Up Stella, Lorenzo Owens and Stoll Vaughan.
And yes that was Carl playing acoustic (rhythm and lead) guitar on the smash, "Hips Dont Lie" by Shakira featuring Wyclef.
As a guest artist, Carl has contributed as lead guitarist and vocalist with numerous performances with Wyclef Jean, lead vocalist and guitarist with The Ed Palermo Big Band, bassist and background vocalist with Extreme, and drummer and vocalist for Wrong. Also, Carl has sung or played guitar or bass with such amazing and great artists as Robbie Krieger, Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, Tom Morello, Slash, Ben Harper, Jerry Cantrell, Stewart Copeland, Steve Vai, Jason Bonham, Travis Barker, Flea, Davey Havok, Mick Mars, Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, Cypress Hill, Wayne Kramer, Jill Sobule, Shooter Jennings, Napoleon Murphy Brock, and Mike Keneally.
In January of 2006, Carl moved from New York to Los Angeles, to follow his music dream and also help young rockers along the way, accepting the Music Director position of the new Paul Green School Of Rock in Hollywood, at the request of Paul Green himself. "I love working with kids and inspiring them to get all the way into music at a young age", says Carl.
His film and television credits include: NBC's The Apprentice, NBC's Late Night With Conan O'Brien, CBS's Late Show With David Letterman, NBC's Tonight Show With Jay Leno, NBC's Last Call With Carson Daly, CBS's Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, "Your Love (L.O.V.E. Reggae Mix)" from the 50 First Dates soundtrack boasts Carl Restivo's guitar and vocals. Co-producer and songwriter of "Holla" for the soundtrack of the film Grandmas Boy. Independent Movie Rock The Paint featured "Hip Hop In the Morning" as its lead track and two other Carl Restivo songs, "Jersey Girl", and "Never Enough" are in the film. All are available through Itunes!
