PROJECTS
SUPERNOVA
Jazz, World, Funky Fusion and original compositions -
Supernova takes inspiration from classic Soul Jazz of the 60s like Eddie Harris, Fusion artists of the 70s such as Billy Cobham and Modern masters such as Pat Metheny and John Scofield. It’s exciting, dare we say danceable Jazz. What we call “Festival Jazz.” Currently in the studio with drummer Karl Latham (Michael Urbaniak, Dizzy Gillespie All Stars, Marg Egan) look for a summer 2026 release on Wayfarer Records.
Visit Supernova’s Facebook page
JAMES SOLO ACOUSTIC
EVERYTHING - rock, classical, jazz, maybe a looper. Compositions from Thelonious Monk to Led Zeppelin.
You never know what to expect at a solo show.
SOURLAND SYMPHONY
ALTERNATIVE JAZZ/CLASSICAL
The Sourland Symphony is a unique and special project. Instrumental Acoustic Music by James Popik inspired by and dedicated to the Sourland Mountain featuring Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Bouzouki, mandolin and percussion. The Symphony has been re-released by Wayfarer Records and has seen significant airplay worldwide. Here’s a review from Celine Keating of Minor 7th Magazine - "The Sourland Symphony" by James Popik, is a soaring suite of acoustic instrumental music in joyous tribute to Sourland Mountain in central New Jersey (though at 568 feet above sea level, Sourland has earned the title of "mountain" only because it pops up from flat farmland).The symphony of nine original compositions reflect the landscape in various seasons; it features, besides Popik's 6 and 12-string guitars, a slew of instruments and musicians in an exhilarating mix (just listen to the instruments chasing each other on "West Mountain"). Popik's guitar playing, a blend of rock, classical jazz, and blues, is electrifying throughout. Almost all the pieces are standouts, among them "Green Mountain Melting" and "Headwaters," which feature Joe Deninzon's violin, Mark Amentt's bass, and Aaron Minsky's cello. "Southside Springs," the longest piece at eight minutes, is a masterpiece. It opens with a set of vibrant harmonics, which repeats at times throughout, enlivened by percussion and hand pan drums by Karttikeya Arul, then moves through many shifts in mood and melody. Popik breaks out into an improvisational single-note section at about the six-minute mark that especially highlights his virtuoso playing. Other favorites include fun-loving "Shagbark Shuffle" with screechy bluesy guitar, spikey "Devil's Half-Acre Blues" with dissonant elements, and atmospheric "Roaring Rocks," featuring the interplay of soulful cello (Dan Kassel) and guitar, with Popik alternating between propulsive strumming and dazzling jazz and flamenco fingerwork. Sourland Mountain must be quite something to have inspired music this exceptional. © Céline Keating
The Symphony saw its debut show at the Hopewell Theater on Dec 7, 2025. Look for more performances in the coming year.