Pianist Colin Hopkins graduated from the Victorian College of The Arts after which he went on to complete further studies in architecture at The University of Melbourne.
He travelled and performed extensively throughout Europe in the 1990s and more recently in Japan where he researched traditional music,architecture and ceramics . This resulted in a proposal that won him the 2007 Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival Commission with a new composition for jazz trio and string quartet, Yasaka Shomyo .
Current recorded projects include the critically acclaimed trio Paper Hat , with bassist Frank DiSario and drummer Andrew Gander and a solo album of meditations on simplicity Still , both released through Rufus Records.
He is a featured artist on the 2007 ABC release of Jazztrack's 30th Anniversary celebrating excellence
in Australian jazz.
"Colin Hopkins is one of the most interesting improvisers in Australia"
Jim Mcleod, 24 Hours Magazine
"Anyone who has heard Hopkins perform - often intent and hunched over the keys, possibly with the accliamed trio Paper Hat - knows knows how grand a sound he can conjure from each note.
Still explores the richness of solo piano by note and pause. Hopkins celebrates simplicity, clarity and melody"
Rodger Mitchell, Sunday Herald Sun
"Hopkins' beautiful pieces, though not long, are at one level meditations on the resonances of the piano."
John Claire, Sydney Morning Herald
"With this mesmerising album, three Melbourne musicians display such heightened communication that at times it is difficult to believe the nine "compositions" are spontaneously improvised.
Eschewing the more strident sounds associated with much-aligned free jazz, bassist Frank Di Sario, pianist Colin Hopkins and drummer Andrew Gander display miraculous sensitivity. The melodies and subtle, sinuous grooves tumble forth as the musicians betray no sense of hesitancy , no impression of working their way out of blind alleys."
Kenny Weir, Paper Hat Review, Sunday Herald Sun
Hey, We're about to start our national tour to promote our new album.
Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Byron, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart.
See profile for details.
Hi Colin-, thanks ! Yes look forward to saying hi at a gig sometime. (We saw paper hat trio at jazz fringe - maybe a couple years back? - and thought it was absolutely awesome music/ musicianship
Colin, I have to concur with everything PK said below. Absolutely beautiful transparent sound, and a touch like no other. Hope to play more this/next year. Jules
oh and I was just listening to Con Alma on your site it's really so fucking beautiful, your sound on the piano has such a luminosity... can't wait to play
Yo Harry, Sorry I haven't been in touch. we must try and catchup for a jave and chat before Xmas if at all possible. Times going way to fast. Cheers, Craig.
yes just back brutally jetlagged but looking forward to catching up with you. when's good? how about a kick arse bottle of red somewhere sometime soon?
Hey Colin! How the heck are ya? Just wondering if you ever heard back from Mal regarding our duo recording? Will we EVER hear it??? Is it crap? I miss ya! Love, Ali
