Current Proects
The Soul Trippers
Over the years, Johnny P has poured his heart and soul into a range of musical projects that reflect his deep love for blues, rock, and soul. Whether fronting a high-octane band or collaborating with fellow musicians, Johnny’s playing is always rooted in raw emotion, fearless energy, and the unmistakable grit of Pittsburgh.
Johnny’s main focus today is his powerhouse blues band, The Soul Trippers. This hard-hitting group brings together some of the city’s top players to deliver a sound that’s equal parts vintage soul, down-and-dirty blues, and full-throttle rock. Together, they’ve been tearing up stages across Pittsburgh and beyond, known for their electric live shows and tight musicianship. If you haven’t seen them live yet, you’re missing something real.
The Band
Jerri Collins - Bass
It all started in 1986 when my best friend’s band needed a bass player. I thought, “why not. Seems easy enough”. Boy, was I wrong! A lot of hard work later, and influenced by Paul McCartney and Jack Bruce, we formed Glass Hammer, a rock band east of Pittsburgh.
Later, with the help of Skip Linntleman, we initiated an Open Mic at Esta Esta with Steve Gallo and Billy Dillon. This led to the formation of Simple Truth with Margi and Mark Pintea from The Damaged Pies. Simple Truth put out a CD, but eventually disbanded. In 2018, I joined the rebuilt Damaged Pies with Margi and Mark until it broke up in 2022.
At that time, Mark and I worked off and on with a number of guitar players, until 2024 when we met Johnny P and formed The Soul Trippers.
Hope you like our music
John Parroccini - Guitar/Vocals
In 1963, my dad took me to a pawn shop on E Ohio St in Pittsburgh, and out walked a skinny 10-year-old with the biggest smile on his face and a bright red guitar for $20.
I played off and on for a few years, with little interest. Until one night, my father told me to come see this guitar player on TV. It was B.B. King. From that moment, I wanted to know everything about the blues. I read everything I could find on this soulful genre. I dug through the discount record bins for anything by Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and B.B. This led me to British blues giants, Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, and Peter Green. This was the music of slavery and sharecroppers. I was never a sharecropper, never shared a crop, never cropped a share. I was a white kid from the suburbs, but this music pulled me in and has never let go.
I played in a bunch of rock and blues bands through college. Then life got in the way. Career, family, and bills all took the place of the guitar. However, I never lost my love and respect for blues music and the giants who have passed it down to us. I feel a sense of obligation to continue to pass this art form to the next generation.
I’ve played at some great places. Nashville, Memphis, Niagara Falls. All the time, staying true to my blues roots and spreading the word.
I hope you can come out and enjoy my solo blues act, Johnny P Blues. I’m also fronting a blues/rock trio, The Soul Trippers, with Mark Pintea and Jerrie Collins. Just trying to turn another generation on to this music, the same way BB King did.
Mark Pintea - Drums
I’ve been playing drums for almost 40 years. I guess drumming and percussion have run through my veins forever. I was the drummer in The Damaged Pies and created a tight rhythm section with Jerrie Collins.
The Damaged Pies had a number of lineup changes through the years, from a 3-piece power trio in the early days to 7 7-piece band featuring 3 female singers and a cello player I’ve also played when called upon with Brad Wagner. In 2024, Jerrie Collins and I hooked up with Johnny P to form The Soul Trippers.
I’ve played thousands of gigs over the years, including The Rock n Roll HOF, CBGB , Whites Bar in Ann Arbor, and many venues in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.
My major influence has been Phil Collins, Although I ve been huge music. fan all my life but was mostley influenced by Phil Collins. His style encompasses the entire range of the song, and not just the rhythm section. My other influences include , Mitch Mitchel, Ginger Baker and Kenny Aronoff.
Hope you enjoy our music!!!
Other Collaborations & Side Projects
Johnny has also lent his talents to studio sessions, local jam nights, and special collaborations with artists across genres—from funk to folk and everything in between. As a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, he’s always exploring new sonic territory while staying true to the roots of the blues.
Stay tuned—Johnny’s always working on something. Whether it’s a new record, a side gig, or a surprise guest appearance, the music never stops.