Underneath a Brooklyn Moon

Editorial Reviews
NY Press, June 30, 2005
One of the highlights is "One Never Knows," co-written with Norah Jones; also pay attention to "Show Biz’ness."

Indianapolis Star, July 10, 2005
The band has evident internal rappport, and sports some fine soloists...a gem of American Jazz.

Album Description
JC Hopkins is a triple threat: writer, performer and producer. He does all three on Underneath a Brooklyn Moon. With original songs rooted in big band jazz, be-bop, and the classic American Songbook, Hopkins has drawn comparisons to the likes of Mose Allison and Van Dyke Parks for his clever turns of phrase and elegant – and at times eccentric – arrangements.

JC Hopkins’ Biggish Band creates that special alchemy of Americana jazz – something akin to Irving Berlin conducting a Moondog street symphony – that sounds simultaneously bold and classic, sophisticated and searching.

Brooklyn Moon features the vocals of Queen Esther, plus a deeply pedigreed group of supporting players that includes Patience Higgins (Savion Glover) and on saxophone, Warren Smith (Miles Davis, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin), on vibraphone, and Vincent Chancey (Sun Ra Arkestra) on French horn, among others.

Underneath a Brooklyn Moon

Tracks:

Here Comes Love
One Never Knows
I've Got My Finger On A Star
Ice Cream Song
Underneath a Brooklyn Moon
Small Town
I Still Believe In Some Kind Of Love
Someday
Show Biz'ness
Settle Down

Album Description

JC Hopkins is a triple threat: writer, performer and producer. He does all three on Underneath a Brooklyn Moon. With original songs rooted in big band jazz, be-bop, and the classic American Songbook, Hopkins has drawn comparisons to the likes of Mose Allison and Van Dyke Parks for his clever turns of phrase and elegant - and at times eccentric - arrangements.

JC Hopkins' Biggish Band creates that special alchemy of Americana jazz - something akin to Irving Berlin conducting a Moondog street symphony - that sounds simultaneously bold and classic, sophisticated and searching.

Brooklyn Moon features the vocals of Queen Esther, plus a deeply pedigreed group of supporting players that includes Patience Higgins (Savion Glover) and on saxophone, Warren Smith (Miles Davis, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin), on vibraphone, and Vincent Chancey (Sun Ra Arkestra) on French horn, among others.

Customer Reviews:

Nice Upbeat Jazz with excellent vocals.......2006-01-09

I listened to this album on one of those listening
stations at my favorite music store. I did not expect it
to be this good. The mid century style music and Queen Esther's
beautifully clear voice makes this an instant classic for me.
I rarely buy CDs anymore (all about itunes) but I fell in love with
this one.

Wonderful songwriting, Superb Musicians.......2005-08-10

Whether you're a hard-core jazz fan or someone in search of a little mood music, you'll really love this album.

Somehow this album delivers a nod to the best of the classic American songbook along with a thoroughly modern approach to jazz. The songwriting is absolutely wonderful and you'll find yourself humming these songs all day after one listen. And these seemingly simple tunes offer tremendously fertile ground for the musicians' improvisation - the mark of future jazz standards.

The musicians really are superb and their talent shines throughout this recording. I particularly enjoy Warren Smith's work on the vibes, Patience Higgens on the tenor sax, and J. Walter Hawkes on the trombone. However, all the musicians play wonderfully together and you just feel the joy in their music. And Queen Esther fronts it all with strength and style.

In addition to the title track, my particular favorites are "I've Got My Finger on a Star," "Someday," and the "Small Town," but there is a lot to love on this record.

Music:

Music

Music