11 August 2009
Hartford Courant
Richard Kamins

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.