James has just signed a multi-year, multi-record deal with Wayfarer Records. The Sourland Symphony was released in October 2025. He is currently in the studio recording with the Supernova band with Drummer Karl Latham and keyboard master Alexander Collins. Touring with bands such as Gold Rush, Live at The Fillmore, playing a monthly residency in Wash. DC w/Thad Wilson and writing the Sourland Symphony Opus 2 is keeping James busy. Thanks for your interest. Feel free to get in touch.
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Purchase info here: https://jamespopik.bandcamp.com/album/the-sourland-symphony.
Review from Celine Keating of Minor 7th Magazine - "The Sourland Symphony" 2025 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
From World music master Wouter Kellerman - reviewing Green Mountain Melting:
The song is a stunning showcase of composition and melody, offering a deeply immersive listening experience. The piece is both intricate and evocative, with transporting melodies that effortlessly draw the listener into a world of musical beauty. The interplay between the cello and violin is particularly noteworthy, as they create a rich tapestry of colors and textures that is both captivating and moving.
The piece unfolds with elegance and depth, highlighting the exceptional artistry of the performers, absolutely love it!
Guitarist James Popik brings a unique touch and versatile repertoire to his music. Acoustic Americana, Jazz, Fusion, Blues, Rock and Classical Brazilian music all find a home in his music.
At last check Jim has logged over 3000 gigs in the last few years in over 200 different venues from Maine to New Orleans including The White House in DC.
At the age of five, Jim 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.
Recent recording activity includes: Session work for Grammy Nominated artist Alex Otey on ‘Define Yourself” and “Signs”, "Acoustic Sketches" w/ Bassist Lawrence Haber, 3 Song EP with Venture To Zen, The "Sourland Symphony", 3 EPs with Ten Foot Tall, The Grammy nominated "Fitness Rock & Roll" CD by Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band, with Jen Starr (opening act for Ray Charles) on her debut CD
Visit James' Bandcamp page for more info on Acoustic Sketches and the Sourland Symphony
https://jamespopik.bandcamp.com/
Notable performances include a run of shows in the north east opening for Los Lonely Boys, opening for Dave Mason, Marshall Tucker, Butch Trucks, Backing jazz legend Richie Cole (Doc Severinson, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton. ) Festival appearance with Rock & Roll hall of famer Bernie Worrell (Parliament, Talking Heads) Special concert with Henry McCullogh (Wings, Joe Cocker) 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
When Jim is not performing or teaching he can be found digging in his garden or hiking some lonely mountain.
