This is J.P.Hopfelt - A biography by Harvey Kubernik (author of Canyon of Dreams)
“ J.P. Hopfelt’s L.A.Vintage Rock” is the debut CD collection of 6 recordings written, produced and arranged by acclaimed singer/songwriter Pete Hopkins and world-renowned rock photographer Jimmy Steinfeldt on Rock Rebel Records, from Laurel Canyon.
J.P. Hopfelt singer and lead guitarist Hopkins, and guitarist Steinfeldt, recorded their disc at Swing HouseStudios in Hollywood CA, home to Tom Petty and Queens of the Stone Age. The album was mixed by Pete Hopkins and engineered by Marlon Luna, who has previously worked with Jack Douglas, producer of Aerosmith.
Playing drums on the record is celebrated drummer Gary Mallaber, famously known for his work with The Steve Miller Band, Eddie Money, Bruce Springsteen and VanMorrison.
Playing Bass is Chad Watson a veteran of recording with Charlie Rich, Janis Ian, Kim Fowley, Chris Spedding, and Delaney Bramlett, producer of and co-writer with Eric Clapton.
The resulting sonic of “J.P. Hopfelt’s L.A. Vintage Rock” is a hardrock and occasionally blues-oriented sound mixture. Selections like “Watch Out”and “Ladies Don’t Stop” are universal rock ‘n’ roll stroll observations.
Bernard Baur, Editor of the magazine “Music Connection” wrote of J.P. Hopfelt, “They set their sights on producing a record that would capture the attitude, energy, and sound they loved. In doing so, they created a new genre they call ‘Vintage Rock,’ a timeless form of music that’s missing from the charts. The result is remarkable.”
The J.P. Hopfelt band logo was designed by artist-painter/designer, Paul Whitehead, who created the album covers for 3 Genesis albums. Paul Whitehead has this to say about J.P.Hopfelt: “When I first listened to J.P.Hopfelt I was impressed with the honesty and the musicianship… It’s straight ahead good rocking, Rock & Roll...”
Jimmy's been published in Rolling Stone and SPIN magazines and done album covers for Miles Davis, Dee Dee Ramone and Willie Nelson. Elusive Studios, in LaurelCanyon is his base of operations and has become a haven for music, film and television artists. He’s been namedPhotographer of the Year twice at the Los Angeles Music Awards. His book Rock N Roll Lens will be released soon.
Pete’s style is influenced by, Joe Satriani, Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, Yngwie Malmsteen andAl Di Meola. He has earned 2 worldwide songwriting and performance victories sponsored by Immergent Records, producer Mikal Blue and by The John Entwistle Foundation and The Rock & Roll Hall of fame. Pete Hopkins is currently preparing to release a solo project in Seattle, Washington with engineer/producer Bubba Jones and Critical Sun Records.
Jimmy and Pete agree the environment of Laurel Canyon contributes to “J.P. Hopfelt’s L.A. Vintage Rock”.
“Laurel Canyon provides a place for creativity with the privacy to knock back as many cocktails as we wish and play as loud as we want.” “This is not a mellow recording we’ve done. It’s a rock record. “ –J.P. Hopfelt