Joe Lang Jersey Jazz Magazine: on CHRONOGRAPHY

For over fifty years, trumpeter, arranger and leader of The Greg Hopkins Jazz Orchestra, Greg Hopkins, has been writing scores of arrangements for his bands.  On Chronography (Un-Gyve Records), Hopkins has selected ten of his charts for inclusion on this album.  The program comprises eight standards, "Body and Soul," "Spring Is Here," "Old Folks," "Like a Lover," "Come Sunday," "My Romance," "In a Sentimental Mood" and What'll I Do;" a medley of tunes by Dizzy Gillespie, "Hot House," "Con Alma" and "Night in Tunisia:" and a challenging  original, "For 'O'," that is based on an unnamed popular song.  Hopkins creates charts that are consistently interesting and full of surprises.  The band executes them with swinging precision.  Vocalist Renese King renders impressive vocal takes on "Like a Lover" and "Come Sunday."  "Body and Soul" features tenor saxophonist Billy Pierce who offers a scintillating approach to this tune that has been a favorite of jazz players for about nine decades.  Judging by this collection, the folks in Boston have been exposed to much delightful music from Greg Hopkins over the decades.  (greghopkinsjazz.com)

- Joseph Lang, Jersey Jazz (September 2025)