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James Popik

James Popik - Musician since the age of 7, full time pro guitarist and lifelong student of all things music.

About Me

Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Bandleader, Grammy Featured Artist.

James has just completed his 'Sourland Symphony' record, an all acoustic all instrumental ode to the Sourland Mountain where he resides. Featuring Joe Deninzon on Violin the 9 tracks range from uptempo jams in 6/8 to a swinging shuffle that goes from 5/4 to 3/4. Other instrumentation is cello, Bass, Bouzouki, Mandolin and percussion. Purchase info here: https://jamespopik.bandcamp.com/album/the-sourland-symphony

At the age of five, James was chosen to be the MC of his kindergarten class' Christmas play. He was first out on stage greeting the crowd and introducing the skits. Since then not much has changed.

At last check Jim has logged over 2500 gigs in the last few years in over 150 different venues.

Notable performances include a run of shows in the north east opening for Los Lonely Boys, opening for Dave Mason, Marshall Tucker, Butch Trucks (Allman Bros.) Recording and gigging with Richie Cole (Doc Severinson, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton) backing Rock & Roll hall of famer Bernie Worrell (Parliament, Talking Heads) at the Sourland Music Festival, as well as billings with Steve Forbert and Robert Hazard. And not least, performing outside at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave for thousands.

Somewhere in between there were piano lessons with Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart, guitar and piano lessons with some rock guy named Tee, all nighters wearing out the needle  as well as continued studies with Grammy nominated Jazz greats Dave Stryker, Pat Martino, Peter Bernstein and Vic Juris.

Member of BMI, NARAS

When Jim is not performing or teaching he can be found hiking some lonely mountain.  

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because...it's the most dynamic, colorful and stimulating music there is. Jazz allows for the utmost freedom in composition and performance.