Camp Meeting is an album by American musician Bruce Hornsby, which was released on August 7, 2007. Contrary to his previous works, Camp Meeting is a jazz album, a genre to which Hornsby had expressed a long-committed passion, but never fully indulged in. The album is a collaboration with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Jack DeJohnette, both prominent figures in the contemporary jazz scene.
The album's title, "Camp Meeting," refers to a type of revival meeting in Christian congregations, creating a somewhat spiritual underpinning to the project. The album comprises 13 songs and includes a mix of Hornsby originals, standards, and covers that range from Keith Jarrett to Thelonious Monk, from Bud Powell to Miles Davis. The trio recorded the album over the course of three-day jam sessions, lending an impromptu and improvisational spirit to the music just like the jazz tradition it pays homage to.
The album earned critical acclaim and demonstrated Hornsby's flexibility and masterful ability to expand his musical style and versatility. It has been praised for its engaging chemistry between the musicians, and Hornsby's distinctive, vibrant piano play. While it was a departure from his previous works, Camp Meeting underlined Hornsby's incredible skill as a musician and a willingness to explore beyond familiar musical territories. As of today, this exceptional album remains a pivotal part of his discography.
