When the Heart Dances [2009] buy
"One of the true joys of music journalism is receiving that unexpected package, containing an artist I was unfamiliar with that blows my mind. Enter Laurence Hobgood."
Derek Beres
The Huffington Post, July 1, 2009
"One of the true joys of music journalism is receiving that unexpected package, containing an artist I was unfamiliar with that blows my mind. Enter Laurence Hobgood."
Derek Beres
The Huffington Post, July 1, 2009
Crazy World [2004] buy
Laurence is no stranger to The Naim Label, having recorded several highly acclaimed albums for us. His beautifully light touch is a joy to listen to; fingers which dance over the keys proving to be the perfect third element for bass and drums. Laurence's pianism with its shimmering arpeggios, advanced harmonies and pervasively singing tone is vaguely reminiscent of Keith Jarrett or Bill Evans.
Frank Parker's elegant drumming together with Rob Amster's fluid bass playing combine to produce jazz that is relaxed and distinguished, imprinted with an Olympic calm.
The ten tracks on the album are a mixture of Laurence's original compositions and his own arrangements, with one track by Rob Amster.
Six times Grammy nominee Kurt Elling makes a guest appearance to provide delicate vocal inspiration on two tracks recorded exclusively for this album.
Laurence is no stranger to The Naim Label, having recorded several highly acclaimed albums for us. His beautifully light touch is a joy to listen to; fingers which dance over the keys proving to be the perfect third element for bass and drums. Laurence's pianism with its shimmering arpeggios, advanced harmonies and pervasively singing tone is vaguely reminiscent of Keith Jarrett or Bill Evans.
Frank Parker's elegant drumming together with Rob Amster's fluid bass playing combine to produce jazz that is relaxed and distinguished, imprinted with an Olympic calm.
The ten tracks on the album are a mixture of Laurence's original compositions and his own arrangements, with one track by Rob Amster.
Six times Grammy nominee Kurt Elling makes a guest appearance to provide delicate vocal inspiration on two tracks recorded exclusively for this album.
Left to my Own Devices [2000] buy
An eclectic mix of tunes is featured on this disc, including ‘Do Nothin’ Til You hear From Me’ written by Duke Ellington and Bob Russell, ‘Lovesick Blues’ by Hank Williams and Theloniuos Monk’s ‘Pannonica’.
Hobgood weighs in with ‘The Waltz’ co-written with featured vocalist, the Grammy Award winning Kurt Elling, who sings on this and two other great tracks.
This is a ‘must have’ collection, with something for everyone; beautifully played, sung and recorded and featuring two of the world’s most wonderful instruments - the piano and the human voice.
In 1996 Hobgood joined with Wertico and bassist Brian Torff to form a new trio called Union. Their two releases, both on The Naim Label, were selected as among the top ten jazz recordings of ‘97 and ‘99 by the Chicago Tribune.
"Hobgood's pianism is "shimmering arpeggios, advanced harmonies and a pervasively singing tone" - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
An eclectic mix of tunes is featured on this disc, including ‘Do Nothin’ Til You hear From Me’ written by Duke Ellington and Bob Russell, ‘Lovesick Blues’ by Hank Williams and Theloniuos Monk’s ‘Pannonica’.
Hobgood weighs in with ‘The Waltz’ co-written with featured vocalist, the Grammy Award winning Kurt Elling, who sings on this and two other great tracks.
This is a ‘must have’ collection, with something for everyone; beautifully played, sung and recorded and featuring two of the world’s most wonderful instruments - the piano and the human voice.
In 1996 Hobgood joined with Wertico and bassist Brian Torff to form a new trio called Union. Their two releases, both on The Naim Label, were selected as among the top ten jazz recordings of ‘97 and ‘99 by the Chicago Tribune.
"Hobgood's pianism is "shimmering arpeggios, advanced harmonies and a pervasively singing tone" - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
State of the Union [1998] buy
This disc includes an equal mix of originals and standards - even Where is Love from the 60's musical Oliver makes a surprise appearance - and all the tracks demonstrate the trio's intimate understanding of each other's playing.
This disc includes an equal mix of originals and standards - even Where is Love from the 60's musical Oliver makes a surprise appearance - and all the tracks demonstrate the trio's intimate understanding of each other's playing.
Union [1997] buy
Recorded in the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Union Church in Hinsdale, Illinois, this aptly titled disc features a reunion of three incandescent talents: Laurence Hobgood -- regarded as one of the most powerful and accomplished young pianists in American jazz; bassist Brian Torff -- who was once summoned with George Shearing to perform specially for President Reagan at the White House; and Paul Wertico -- the Pat Metheny Group stalwart who was recently voted Fusion Drummer of the Year.
Recorded in the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Union Church in Hinsdale, Illinois, this aptly titled disc features a reunion of three incandescent talents: Laurence Hobgood -- regarded as one of the most powerful and accomplished young pianists in American jazz; bassist Brian Torff -- who was once summoned with George Shearing to perform specially for President Reagan at the White House; and Paul Wertico -- the Pat Metheny Group stalwart who was recently voted Fusion Drummer of the Year.