03 September 2009
Jazz Inside
Dan Bilawsky

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.