Laurence Hobgood on NPR’s Piano Jazz May 23!

The legendary Marian McPartland hosts Laurence Hobgood on NPR’s Piano Jazz, beginning May 23. Imagine these two keyboard giants playing together!
Check local listings — stations have two weeks to air the broadcast. After that, it will be available for your listening pleasure in the Piano Jazz past stories.

Kurt’s long-time musical director, arranger, gifted pianist, and exceptional soloist and trio leader, Laurence performs his own tune, “The Smuggler,” and joins McPartland on “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.”

Laurence says, “It was both charming and an honor to do the show with Marian. She’s a fun, graceful host with a famous sense of humor, and I enjoyed it immensely.”

Laurence and Kurt have worked closely for 15 years. He co-produced and plays on all seven of Kurt’s Grammy-nominated albums. In addition, Laurence has recorded one solo album, “Left to My Own Devices,” and three trio albums, “Union,” “State of the Union,” and “Crazy World.”

He’s particularly excited about his next one, “When the Heart Dances,” duets with Charlie Haden and special guest Kurt Elling. Recorded in True Stereo, “When the Heart Dances” will be released in the fall. All Laurence’s albums are on the Naim label.

Laurence tells us, “Charlie sounds amazing. It was such an honor to play with him, especially in so intimate a setting. We recorded at Cal Arts, where he founded the jazz program, in their excellent recital hall. The Steinway D was one of the truly special, singing instruments I’ve had the opportunity to play.”

Tune in to Piano Jazz beginning May 23.

And read more about Laurence here.