Album Notes

“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 this 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, 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!

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CD Review: jazzReview.com

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Featured Artist: JC & The Jazz Hoppers

CD Title: Chillin' At Home

Year: 2007

Record Label: Jazz Hop Inc.

Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic

Musicians: Jason Campbell (guitar), Col Nolan (Hammond B3 organ), Andrew Dickeson (drums), Evan Mannell (drums on track 2).

Review: JC & The Jazz Hoppers are new to the American jazz market. Australian jazz guitarist, Jason Campbell, formed the trio a few years ago with organist Col Nolan and drummer Andrew Dickeson.

Chillin’ At Home is a studio production and will be released on this side of the ocean in early January 2007. The combo kicks off the session with a most unlikely number, Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Campbell doesn’t water-down his jazz style in order to sell a few more copies of his CD. A disciple of George Benson, the guitarist traveled to the USA for workshop studies with the likes of John Scofield, Tal Farlow, Freddie Hubbard, Pat Martino and Rodney Jones. This writer noticed a classy 1950’s flavor to some of the trio’s work. Listeners are treated to two versions of Tadd Dameron’s 1948 composition “Our Delight.” Two Jason Campbell originals are thrown into the mix in the form of the up-tempo “Fresh Roast” and the romantic “Aria 4 Daria.”


This is a tightly woven unit with a single voice emanating from the center of the mass. The players have not forgotten their music’s roots and blue notes flow freely as they dish out their exciting sounds. Chillin’ At Home is worth a close listen.

Tracks: Don’t Worry Be Happy, Fresh Roast, Don’t Know Why, Aria 4 Daria, Our Delight, Anytime Anyplace, Our Delight (alt. take).

Artist's Website: http://www.jcandthejazzhoppers.com

Reviewed by: Richard Bourcier