“The Scott Hopkins Trio has consistently delivered unforgettable performances at Jazz at the Lake. Their electrifying performances are a beautiful blend of tradition, innovation, technical prowess, and fueled by a love of creating and performing music. With Scott, Lou, and Brian, it's not just a show; it's an experience. Our audience is always blown away by their performance. Last year, I had so many requests for them to play longer, I changed the hours for the Friday night shows!” - Tanya Tobias-Tomis
— Executive Director - Lake George Arts Project / Jazz at The Lake
“The Scott Hopkins Trio fills the room with good energy and great music. Listeners of all ages can't help but tap a toe and grin when that sparkling 5-string banjo and savvy jazz rhythm section intertwine.” - Ruth Ungar Merenda
— Director of Community Outreach, The Ashokan Center
The Scott Hopkins Trio
Original, Jazz and Roots Music
The Scott Hopkins Trio features stalwart musicians Lou Smaldone on bass and Brian Melick on drums with Hopkins on both acoustic and electric banjo. Repertoire of the trio includes a combination of originals, jazz standards, roots music, Americana and contemporary tunes with flares of bluegrass and folk influences from Hopkins and the Latin grooves and instruments of Melick. Everything is held together by the rock-solid but flexible bass playing of Smaldone creating a unique ensemble sound and approach. The trio frequently invites specials guests to perform along side of them.
