Biography of Duncan Hopkins

"Duncan Hopkins has been busy establishing himself as a bassist, composer and arranger around the world, being likened to the world's best. St. Catharines has given the jazz world one important composer...Kenny Wheeler. It may have another one ... in the person of Duncan Hopkins". Globe and Mail 7/03/96

"There's something of Dave Holland, among other select influences, in both the playing and the band of Canadian bassist Duncan Hopkins". Globe and Mail 11/05/96.

While primarily self-taught, Duncan has studied with the best including Michel Donato in Montreal, Rufus Reid at the Banff Centre for Fine Arts, Neils-Henning Orsted Pedersen in Denmark and Dave Holland in New York City. Aside from his own projects, he has become a popular sideman for a wide variety of artists such as ; Mark Murphy, Lester Bowie, Kenny Wheeler, Peter Appleyard, Sam Noto, Ed Bickert, Warren Vache, George Masso, Sam Rivers and arranger Robert Farnon (with Dianna Krall and the National Arts Centre Orchestra). He is also the current bassist in the famed Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass. Duncan makes his home in Toronto but has toured extensively throughout Canada, Great Britain, Europe, Brazil and the United States.

He can be heard on over twenty albums with such groups as The Pat LaBarbera Quartet, The Paul Ashwell Big Band, the Del Dako Quartet and numerous CBC recordings including a tribute to Robert Farnon with Dianna Krall, Peter Appleyard and the NAC Orchestra, the John Tank Quartet and the Pat LaBarbera Trio. Most Notably, however, are Duncans three solo albums, all receiving international acclaim :

Le Rouge on Counterpoint recordings

"This CD is Excellent!" Cadence Magazine NY, USA

Kindred Spirits Unity 151

"a high grade release where the writing...is as impressive as the playing". The Toronto Star.

Snapshots UPR171

Snapshots .... is an impressive and accessible CD of contemporary jazz....(it) lends the disc (to) an early 60s Miles Davis quintet feel.