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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: What the press is saying
Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:07 pm
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| Quote: | Laurence Hobgood, the man who has astonished world wide audiences with pianistic prowess accompanying song stylist Kurt Elling, teams with bassist Charlie Haden for this five star recording.
-- Dick Bogle, The Skanner
...they pull beautiful music from thin air, to create an enjoyable experience.
-- Warren Allen Allaboutjazz.com
This truly is a lovely production and a sheer delight for the ears.
-- Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.net
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. The pianist has been around for some time, playing with vocalist Kurt Elling since 1995. His latest recording, When the Heart Dances (Naim Jazz), features Elling on three tracks, and bassist Charlie Haden, whom I am very familiar with, on all but two songs, the solos "Sanctuary" and "Leatherwood." Most of the album is Hobgood and Haden, the latter playing a dependable counterpart to Hobgood's gorgeous playing, completely relinquishing any sign of ego for the more youthful pianist to display his most exceptional talents.
-- Derek Beres, Huffington Post
This disc, with Charlie Haden and Kurt Elling, is musically delicious in many ways. Its intimacy showcases what Hobgood calls the "imagination, empathy, harmony, pitch, rhythmic dimension, clarity, complexity of texture, simplicity of center – and nobility" of Haden's bass playing. Similarly, it showcases Hobgood's exquisite touch, imaginative and introspective piano work, and his talents as an arranger and composer (soloing on two originals, including the gospel-meets-new age work "Sanctuary"). He and Haden dance around the basic elements of "Que Sera Sera," barely touching its distinctive melody. And then there's Elling's instrumental approach to singing, which is showcased on Haden's elegiac "First Song," "the chestnut "Stairway to the Stars" and the Ellington/Strayhorn classic "Daydream." This is one to savor.
-- Ken Franckling's Jazz Notes
This is a lovely collection of standards and originals, performed by pianist Laurence Hobgood with bassist Charlie Haden and, on several tracks, singer Kurt Elling. The focus is on ballads, and even the more uptempo numbers have a gentle, elegiac feel to them, as is often the case with piano-bass duet projects. Elling's vocals are restrained and elegant, with plenty of rhythmic freedom and a tastefully understated vibrato. Very, very nice.
-- Rick Anderson, Editor CD HotList
In the pre-Internet age, Hobgood would simply a be Chicago treasure the rest of you would just be finding out about, but because of his long, creative association with Kurt Elling, many of you already know him as much more than a sideman. Pairing here for essentially a piano/bass duo with Charlie Haden, this is some top flight stuff that will open your ears. The date coming about because Haden was a fan of Hobgood's earlier sets for this label (that's a pretty heady recommendation right there!), the two play like old pals of the same mind looking to raise each other's game. It looks simple but it's pretty wild. Elling even drops by to return some favors and add color to the proceedings. Off the beaten path and well worth the journey.
--Chris Spector, Midwest Record
The strange, stately beauties of pianist/composer Laurence Hobgood's new Naim Jazz release, When the Heart Dances (US release date: Aug. 11, 2009), begin on the opening track with his funereal transformation of "Que Sera, Sera," the Jay Livingston tune that Doris Day waltzed to the top of the pop charts in 1956. We lose the carefree tang of Ray Evans' lyric as Hobgood and the great bassist Charlie Haden lift its fatality into saddened serenity, with a farewell of aching poignancy.
-- Perry Tannenbaum, Creative Loafing
Hobgood's new duo album with bassist Charlie Haden, When the Heart Dances, is a representation of his sympathetic, lightly swinging style and melodic skills.This eleven-track outing mixes jazz and pop standards alongside some like-minded originals by Hobgood and his musical partner, Charlie Haden, and as an added incentive Elling is featured on three tunes. The overall result is a lean, trim set enlivened by intimacy, nuance, and musical poetry.
-- Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition |
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: Dancing Hearts
Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:24 pm
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From Richard Kamins, The Hartford Courant, August 11, 2009:
| Quote: | Pianist/arranger Laurence Hobgood is, perhaps, bext known for his sterling work with vocalist Kurt Elling. Together, they have built a rich repertoire of American jazz vocal music, fueled by Elling's seeking mind and Hobgood's brilliant piano interpretations. "When the Heart Dances" is Hobgood's 3rd release for the Naim label and features a series of duets with bassist Charlie Haden, 2 solo piano tracks and a pair of trio pieces with Elling. Haden is stalwart throughout, his melodic lines intertwined with the piano, somehow allowing the music to be grounded and light at the same time.
This is one of those recordings to savor late in the night, not because it's "moody music" but the songs deserve to be heard in the quiet hours of the day. A rich mix of standards and originals, none of the participants are interested in impressing you with their technique; no, they just want you to listen, to relax into the music, swept away by the melodic richness on every track. There are innumerable highlights but, as of this writing, my favorite cut is the trio's take on Duke Ellington's "Daydream." Rich and bluesy piano chords and runs, thick bass notes, and Elling's sweet vocal, all these combine to touch one's heart. But, then there's the solo piano majesty of "Sanctuary", a bluesy, gospel-like song with rich chords and sweeping single-note runs.
Yes, "When the Heart Dances" is an appropriate title for this timeless recording, one worth finding and spending many hours absorbing the sounds into your mind and soul. For more information, go to thenaimlabel.com. |
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: Consummate pianism personified
Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:14 pm
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From Grego Applegate Edwards, on Gapplegate Music Review, August 14, 2009
| Quote: | The Balladic Piano Artistry of Laurence Hobgood
As time passes, it's clear that there are a group of pianists active today that belong to a stylistic lineage that goes from Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock (in his acoustic mode) to later Keith Jarrett and on to newer players who add something of their own to the legacy. Laurence Hobgood is one such player and he shows himself to be a formidable practitioner in his own right, especially on his new CD When the Heart Dances (Naim Jazz).
Hobgood has been musical director and pianist for vocalist Kurt Elling for some 15 years. That collaboration has resulted in some superb music. It continues on the CD at hand, since Kurt adds his vocals to a number of songs on the disk. I can't say enough about Kurt. He is a true jazz vocalist and has a superior instrument. He's fabulous and his talents are in good evidence on the title song (written by Charie Haden) and the old warrior Stairway to the Stars.
Speaking of Charlie Haden, his bass blesses this session pretty much throughout. Particularly given the more or less balladic orientation of the set, he plays a crawlingly slow bass accompaniment on most of the selections. Haden has one of the most beautiful bass tones of any player I've ever heard, and as he slows it down, that beauty comes out ever more stunningly. That he is a master has been said many times. He has become ever more profoundly so.
The numbers here alternate between American Songbook standards, jazz standards and interesting originals. The mix works.
In the end, though, it is Laurence Hobgood's piano that makes or breaks this album. Makes is the word. He is consummate pianism personified. Technique is always harnessed to musical ends. His playing is just plain lovely on When the Heart Dances. An incredibly lovely tone. An incredibly lovely note choice. |
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Stevetheman
Joined: 08 Nov 2008
Posts: 13
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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 11:45 pm
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I just couldn't wait for it to be released here so I got mine a month or so ago and I got to tell ya it's well worth getting just for that track 'The Cost Of Living.'
Laurence takes it to a place deep in the dark caverns of the mind. In other words, I really totally dug it man!! |
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune
Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2009 10:50 pm
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Bob Karlovits in the Pittsburgh Tribune, August 16, 2009
| Quote: | | Albums don't come much simpler or with much more feeling than "When the Heart Dances." Pianist Laurence Hobgood and bassist Charlie Haden offer beautiful versions of songs such as "Why Did I Choose You" and "The Cost of Living." They even do a magnificent version of "Que Sera Sera" that is delivered with such gripping passion it makes a listener forget about Doris Day. Hobgood also does a lovely solo version of his own "Sanctuary," a bit of 21st-century gospel. Haden's bass offers sophistication that matches Hobgood's piano, helping to fill these duets with more music than two people normally can bring. Singer Kurt Elling, who performs with Hobgood, joins them for three songs. Among them is Haden's haunting "First Song," a song that seems written for the wide range of Elling's voice. |
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: Review: Sounds of Timeless Jazz
Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 12:37 pm
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Sounds of Timeless Jazz - CD Reviews, August 2009
| Quote: | WHEN THE HEART DANCES is one of the loveliest recordings available and is sure to enamor Laurence Hobgood fans. The Grammy nominated pianist shares the beauty in such standards as “Que Sera Sera” “Daydream,” and several others with world-class bassist Charlie Haden and Grammy award nominee Kurt Elling.
Hobgood’s choices are incredible and his piano finesse is even more beautiful now that he’s in the spotlight as a leader of this splendid trio. The CD is in stores now and should be in your record collection. Top picks: “First Song,” and the title track. |
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godfather
Joined: 26 Mar 2009
Posts: 28
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Post subject: WTHD....WOW!!!
Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 3:14 pm
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Laurence,
What a masterful recording! All three instruments (piano, bass, kurt's voice) stripped down to their barest elements causes them all to shine to the brightest degree. I just got my copy from Amazon and immediately put it on and listened all the way through. Still absorbing the genius of what you have accomplished with this album. I humbly submit you are one of the most gifted pianist/composers I have ever heard. thank you for this wonderful gift.
godfather |
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: Elegant, elevating, and stately
Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 12:53 pm
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Don Williamson, for JazzReview.com, August 25, 2009
| Quote: | Laurence Hobgood’s name appears as the primary one in the jacket design for When the Heart Sings, but there’s no doubt that the album is a joint enterprise, the result of instantaneous interaction. The music is evenly paced, of slow to moderate tempos, eloquently flowing and at times even contemplative.
The other musician on the album, it seems, had much to do with that style. Once again, Charlie Haden is teaming on another duo album along the lines of his and Kenny Barron’s Night and the City or his and Pat Metheny’s Beyond the Missouri Sky or his and Hank Jones’ Steal Away. Now Hobgood and Haden can be added to the list of duo album musicians, all because of their chance meeting at an IAJE convention when they had a “Let’s do it!” idea to record together.
The result certainly could be described as elegant, elevating and even at times stately. Not only does the Hobgood/Haden duo perform two of Haden’s compositions, but also they are consistent with the resonating deliberate pace with which Haden anchored the performances on the other albums. Not once does Hobgood unleash the musical furies he holds at bay—the ones that agitated his solos on some of Kurt Elling’s most exciting recordings like “Ginger Bread Boy” or “Delores’ Dream.”
No, Hobgood’s work on When the Heart Sings remains graceful, with a light undulating touch over the entire keyboard on his own improvisational, apparently classically influenced pieces like “Leatherwood.” And so, one is reminded that Hobgood produced Elling’s albums that featured memorable improvisation under Elling’s sometimes poignant, sometimes hipster-ish, sometimes wacky, sometimes narrative poetry, as on “The Beauty of All Things” or “The Rent Party.”
Even the swaying Doris Day number from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much, “Que Sera Sera”—which she performed in sing-song fashion as her TV theme song—proceeds a in largo tempo, like a folk song, without much embellishment, but rather as an appreciation of the tune’s possibilities through slight harmonic substitutions under the clearly stated melody. Haden establishes its pace with his half notes before his own quiet, dignified solo.
“Que Sera Sera,” though defying expectations of interpretation, sets the tone for the entire album, and so it goes when “When the Heart Dances” follows with, yes, its terpsichorean warming-up introduction cascading into the lightly played three-four theme. Even Hoagy Carmichael’s “New Orleans” receives similar delicacy of interpretation—rather than relying on a heavy emphasis on bluesiness—with contrapuntal treble and bass lines and thirty-second-noted ripples over Haden’s rock-solid rhythm. Hobgood and Haden convey a dark sense of melancholy in Don Grolnick’s minor-key “The Cost of Living,” film noir-ish in the strength of its visual suggestion of foreboding.
Elling joins the duo on three of the tracks, but there is no doubt that this is Hobgood’s project. Elling’s singing is consistent with the pace and feel of the rest of the album. That is, Elling provides words to the sentiment and emotions established throughout When the Heart Dance as he sings Haden’s “First Song,” with straightforward expressiveness through the first chorus before Haden himself solos. Likewise, on “Stairway to the Stars” and “Daydream,” Elling remains mostly within the melodic confines of the songs, instead of taking off and making them his own.
For When the Heart Dances, Hobgood and Haden recorded exactly what they wanted: an album on which they can “just play music” of their choice and at their leisure and on their own terms. Their own pleasure in the process of making music together naturally transfers into the beauty of the results. |
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Merridy
Joined: 21 May 2009
Posts: 32
Location: Pacific Northwest
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Post subject: Amazon review
Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:03 pm
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Here is a five-star review from the forum's "godfather":
***** One of the greatest living pianists shines in this beautiful recording!, August 25, 2009
By Toms Center "godfather" (atlanta ga) - See all my reviews
Laurence is best known as the musical director/collaborator with Kurt Elling. In fact Kurt joins Laurence on this wonderful album for a few songs. Laurence is probably one of the best pianists you've never heard much about. His talents as writer and performer are wonderfully displayed on this collection of songs that are stripped to their barest form to allow the instrument and perfomer to shine. This is the kind of performance you just carve out the time to sit back and listen to, forget about your worries and become completely absorbed in the beauty of the music. I have listened now multiple times and each time find something new to marvel about. I highly recommend you buy this and enjoy and savor every note. |
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: Many thanks!
Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 3:59 pm
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| Thanks for posting this Merridy, and special thanks to Godfather for writing it for Amazon! |
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: A quiet cause for celebration
Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 4:03 pm
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By Joel Roberts, for All About Jazz, September 4, 2009:
| Quote: | Laurence Hobgood is one of those artists whose undeniable talents beg the question, “Why isn’t he better known?” In Hobgood’s case, part of the reason may be that he’s spent most of the past decade and a half in a supportive role, as pianist and musical director for singer Kurt Elling -- a pretty good gig, but one that may have prevented him from garnering more attention. At any rate, it’s no exaggeration to call the 49-year-old Chicago-based musician one of the most accomplished pianists of his generation, as his latest CD, a duo recording with the estimable bassist Charlie Haden, makes abundantly clear.
Haden is especially fond of bass-piano duos. He played a week at the Blue Note club this summer with a rotating cast of top pianists, including Kenny Barron, Paul Bley and Bill Charlap and he’s recorded memorable duet sides with Barron, Hank Jones, Hampton Hawes and others. But he and Hobgood make a particularly strong pairing. Both are passionate, introspective performers with a minimalist bent; neither plays a note more than is needed.
Nearly all the 11 tunes here, evenly split between Hobgood and Haden originals and nicely varied standards, are taken at a slow, unhurried pace. The opening track, for example, the campy '50s pop tune “Que Sera Sera”, is transformed into an elegant, moving ballad while Hobgood’s “Sanctuary”, one of two solo piano pieces on the album, is a gospel-meets- Keith Jarrett tour de force. The album reaches its emotional pinnacle on the closing number, a powerful reading of Don Grolnick’s “The Cost of Living”, which Haden originally recorded with Michael Brecker more than 20 years ago.
Elling also lends his resonant baritone to three tunes, including a moving rendition of Haden’s “First Song”. There’s a clear sympathy among all three performers, making this subdued but stirring album a quiet cause for celebration.
For more information, visit naim-audio.com. Hobgood is at Smalls Sep. 7th. |
Last edited by P+T on Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:25 am; edited 1 time in total |
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: Many special moments
Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 1:10 pm
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By Dan Bilawsky, for Jazz Inside magazine, September 2009:
| Quote: | Laurence Hobgood's name might not ring a bell for some people but if you've heard any of Kurt Elling's albums, or seen him perform live, you've heard Hobgood's piano playing before. While the pianist
has been backing Elling for well over a decade, his own music hasn't always received the attention it deserves. He has recorded several terrific trio albums, and a solo piano record, for the Naim Jazz Label. He creates some absorbing, beautiful music paired with Charlie Haden on his latest album.
This album begins with a pretty rendition of "Que Sera Sera." Both men allow the music to simply flow without musical excess or unnecessary technical displays getting in the way of a gorgeous performance. After Hobgood takes a trip through the melody, Haden takes the first solo. Hobgood's solo adds a few fancier touches to the piece but things remain uncluttered from start to finish. While
the core sentiment of the song remains, this intimate musical portrait is a far cry from the famous Doris Day rendition.
The title track, the first of three Hobgood compositions, begins with a solo piano introduction. Hobgood develops descending melodic motifs during the opening of the song and, once Haden joins in, a bouncy feel is established.
Haden's lone composition on the album, "First Song," features Kurt Elling as guest vocalist. While the other two Elling appearances on the album are on performances of standards, this track is more of an art song within a jazz framework. As Elling sings of the first song he heard and the first song that was, hints of darkness, sadness and melancholia seem to move over the music.
Fortunately, things brighten up on "Sanctuary." Hobgood is flying solo on this song and a comforting, positive spirit seems to leap forth from the music. He works in little riffs, like occasional sweeping runs or a brief set of sextuplets and triplets here and there, and never gets too predictable as he works his way through this performance.
Haden returns for "Chickoree" which he co-wrote with Hobgood. Haden seems to play the straight man on this track and Hobgood moves around him with toying licks. Haden gets some solo space here
and then Hobgood returns. The pianist seems to want to play a musical game of cat and mouse but Haden doesn't bite and keeps moving along, setting the direction and holding it all together.
"Stairway To The Stars" is the first of three consecutive tracks that are five star performances. Elling returns and his voice gives off a good deal of warmth here. Hobgood's masterful accompaniment helps to heighten the vocal performance and the shared history between pianist and singer takes this music to the next level. Hobgood keys in on the lyrics too, and when "climb to heaven with you" comes out of Elling's mouth he's right there with some floating upper register piano tinkling to match the sentiment in the words.
Hoagy Carmichael's "New Orleans" has seen an increase in popularity over the last few years and this performance is one of the best I've heard. After a brief piano introduction, Haden joins Hobgood and they settle into a comfortable, strolling tempo that perfectly reflects the weather and vibe of the Crescent City. Haden is supportive to a fault when Hobgood is in charge. When the bassist takes his turn in the
spotlight he delivers his most moving solo on the album.
A fine marriage between Haden's bass and Hobgood's piano is found on "Why Did I Choose You?" While I've mentioned that Haden is often supportive of Hobgood, this track seems to have both men on an equal playing field, which is a difficult feat to achieve with a piano and bass duo.
"Leatherwood," another solo piano performance, is a showcase for Hobgood's spirited playing, technical prowess and sharp compositional skills.
Elling makes one last appearance on a terrifically grooving, soulful version of the Ellington/Strayhorn classic, "Daydream."
The album ends with "The Cost Of Living," which seduces the listener from the very beginning. The hushed sense of beauty and genuine charm in this performance is just one of many special moments on When The Heart Dances. |
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P+T
Joined: 15 Jun 2006
Posts: 691
Location: Portland, OR
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Post subject: Quietly persuasive jazz
Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:19 pm
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From Jersey Jazz, the monthly newsletter of the New Jersey Jazz Society, October 2009:
| Quote: | There is one word that kept recurring in my mind as I listened to When the Heart Dances (naim Jazz – 112) by pianist LAURENCE HOBGOOD, and that word is sensitive. This 11-song collaboration with bassist Charlie Haden is replete with quietly persuasive jazz.
Hobgood has composed three of the tunes, “When the Heart Dances,” “Leatherwood,” and “Sanctuary,” my particular favorite, a solo piano piece that picks up steam and passion as it evolves from a hymn-like beginning to a fervid statement of commitment before receding into a final Amen.
Haden and Hobgood put their creative minds together to compose a very engaging number that they titled “Chickoree.” Hoagy Carmichael wrote so many wonderful, yet diverse songs that it is not easy to place him in a stylistic box. “New Orleans” is certainly one of his most unique and engaging tunes, and Hobgood perfectly captures its reflective mood.
Vocalist Kurt Elling and Hobgood have been musical partners for quite some time, and it feels perfectly natural to hear Elling’s voice pop up on three of the tracks, “First Song,” a Haden original, “Stairway to the Stars” and “Daydream.” In keeping with the rest of the album, Elling pulls back on his normal intensity to provide some wonderfully understated and impressive vocalizing.
As Hobgood and Haden ruminated on the lovely “Why Did I Choose You,” it occurred to me that this would have made a good title track for an album that you would be wise to choose as an addition to your CD library. |
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godfather
Joined: 26 Mar 2009
Posts: 28
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Post subject: amazon post
Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:00 pm
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It was a great privilege to post comments on Amazon concerning WTHD. I still marvel at its simple beauty. what a treat to listen to. I've been out of pocket and not posting as usual. Opening a live music venue in oct/nov here and been way too busy! Also been working on organizing a large jazz festival for fall 2010. hoping to have arrangements finalized soon so we can try to schedule kurt and laurence as headliners. keep your fingers crossed! BTW, any pointers or suggestions on either would be received with much appreciation....trying to make this right. best to all and keep the faith, cause "we're jazz people".
godfather |
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