JC Hopkins Biggish Band

JC Hopkins is a playwright, poet, filmmaker, painter, piano bar entertainer, Grammy nominated composer of wry, inventive tunes and front man for one of the hippest little big bands in the country, the JC Hopkins Biggish Band.

His original songs formed the basis for the jazz musical, Show Biz'ness, created by JC and poet Peter Simonelli, which had an extended run in San Francisco. The show gave rise to two important songs: "Show Biz'ness," newly recorded for the Biggish Band’s debut album “Underneath A Brooklyn Moon”; and Grammy nominated "Dreams Come True," covered byWillie Nelson and Norah Jones on Willie's album It Always Will Be (2004, Lost Highway).

In 2001, JC formed the JC Hopkins Biggish Band. The band performed weekly at the burlesque venue, The Slipper Room, with a core group of players that included Norah Jones on vocals. JC and the band’s bassist Lee Alexander co-wrote "Painter Song" for her 2002 multi-platinum debut Come Away With Me.

JC's Biggish Band continued to germinate, attracting a variety of top New York players, and drawing sell-out crowds on both coasts. Singers as diverse as Norah Jones, Victoria Williams, Martha Wainwright, Justin Bond, Jolie Holland, Queen Esther and Madeleine Peyroux have performed with the band. Most recently the band has enlisted the talents of vocalist Champian Fulton and tap dancer extraordinaire DeWitt Fleming Jr.

“The JC Hopkins Biggish Band feature some of New York’s finest musicians” — New York Times

“Smokin'.” — New York Daily News

Here's what the Boston Globe has to say about Brooklyn Moon:

“Queen Esther evokes the charmingly off-kilter cadences of Betty Carter or the clean sophistication of Carmen McRae...”

“Whereas most of the neo-swing bands preferred the easy giddiness of jump blues, this multiracial, coed group displays a greater versatility and musicality that's no less exhilarating. Inviting and invigorating, this is a winning album that gets better with every listen.”

“The tunes here are all originals and the lyrical matter is timeless” — JazzWeek

“One of the highlights is 'One Never Knows,' co-written with Norah Jones; also pay attention to ‘Show Biz’ness’.” — NY Press

“There’s just too much good feeling about these performances not to be caught up in them” —Jazzitude

“The band has evident internal rapport, and sports some fine soloists...a gem of American Jazz.” —Indianapolis Star

“...check them out, so you can say you saw them when they were merely biggish, as opposed to huge!”— Time Out New York

“Top-level talent” — All About Jazz

JC and his band were phenomenal at our wedding.  In fact, I hesitate to even use the term "wedding," because the band was so much more than a "wedding band."  They were relaxed, fun and high-quality, mixing classic jazz standards with their own compositions.  I felt like we were getting the best of New York, old and new.  And their style & feel were a part of the evening: it really wasn't like they were playing for us, but playing with us and enjoying the evening as much as we were.  ?—Robert

JC Hopkins Biggish Band delivers innovative music and a vibrant sound, with a striking stage presence.  Super-stardom is in the making, and now we have bragging rights that we found them early enough to book for our nuptials.  Our dance floor was *huge* but their swing was bigger.  If you have reason to, hire them!   If not,  go see them.

—Jennifer  & Matthew

JC Hopkins Biggish Band was the absolute highlight of my wedding reception.  The joyous swinging vibe, the unbelievable musicianship and the magnetism of JC and the entire band not only got everybody dancing, but made everyone feel like they had been part of a unique event.  Months later, friends and family are still talking about it.

—Dave and C.J.

"JC's creative and infectious music was a highlight of our wedding. Every generation from both families were dancing together into the night. We couldn't have been happier!”

—Storn and Juliet