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 1950s 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.
JazzReview.com
