JC and the JazzHoppers

“JC and the JazzHoppers” are reigniting the classic guitar driven organ combo for today’s listener. Reminiscent of the great albums of this genre such as those by Wes Montgomery/Jimmy Smith, Grant Green/Larry Young and George Benson/Dr Lonnie Smith, “JC and the JazzHoppers” are continuing the legacy of incorporating popular tunes of the day and reworking them into jazz vehicles.On the debut album “Chillin’ at Home” you will hear tunes associated with Janet Jackson, Norah Jones and Bobby McFerrin sounding as if they were always meant for the guitar/organ trio. The repertoire and playing on this album gives the utmost respect to you the listener, as opposed to the wanton self indulgence that seems to be appearing on other recordings these days, leaving many previously faithful audiences deserting jazz.Jason Campbell (JC), guitarist and leader of this group although originally from Australia, resides in Manhattan and works in the many organ rooms of Harlem. Determined to honor the tradition of the guitar’s role as instigated by Wes, Grant and George in the organ trio, he has shared the Harlem stages from the Lenox Lounge to the Legion Post with such legends as Dr Lonnie Smith, Seleno Clarke, Lou Donaldson, Nate Lucas, Danny Mixon, Melvin Davis and George Benson himself. He aims to feature a different organ great on each and every upcoming release by “JC and the JazzHoppers”The guest organist on “Chillin’ at Home” is Australian legend Col Nolan. Col shared the stage and his Hammond B3 with the great man Jimmy Smith himself on the occasions he visited Australia. Having been shown some of Jimmy’s special drawbar settings, combined with his incredibly strong feel ala Les McCan, it is easy to see why his nickname was to become “Swing King!”.Rounding out the JazzHoppers is the superb drumming on this album by none other than Andrew Dickeson, another Australian stablemate. Having had the fortune of studying with the great Arthur Taylor of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” recording band, he is THE example of todays listening drummer who challenges all others in his wake to try and swing harder-if you can !If your aim is to escape the daily grind, even for 40 minutes, then this album is definitely for you-just don’t play it and leave it lying around while you have friends over- unless you are prepared to let them borrow it! Check it out-available now at http://cdbaby.com/cd/jcjazzhoppersThe 3rd generation of JC and The JazzHoppers based out of New York includes Akiko Tsuruga(Organ) and Sir Earl Grice Jnr (Dr)If you play hammond organ and are SERIOUS about it, and want to feel what it is like to have the guitar balancing and complimenting the organ and drums with rhythmical comping, providing vibe and momentum that is essential to kick everthing to the next level, then get in touch so we can do it, & you can be added to the following list of organ players with whom I've shared the stage: Dr Lonnie Smith, Seleno Clarke, Jimmy McGriffe, Tony Monaco, Danny Mixon, Melvyn Davis, Kyle Kohler, Mike LeDonne, Brian Charette, Nathan Lucas, Mike Torsone, Fred McFarlane, Jimmy"Preacher "Robbins, Adam Klipple, Ehud Asherie, Akiko Tsuruga, Gerard Gibbs, Jared Gold.