The Laurence Hobgood Trio Crazy World NaimCD084

The Laurence Hobgood Trio have perfected their craft through playing with US jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, who appears on two tracks on Crazy World, the trio's debut 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.

Crazy World is another addition to the label's True Stereo catalogue. It was recorded by Ken Christianson direct to two track Nagra tape machine.

Laurence Hobgood Left to my own devices NaimCD049

Piano music is cherished here at The Naim Label and we couldn’t believe our luck when Ken Christianson persuaded Laurence Hobgood to make a solo recording for us, which also features the Grammy Award winning vocalist Kurt Elling.

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

Union [Hobgood, Torff and Wertico] State of The Union NaimCD038

This is the second release on the Naim Label by the Union trio of Laurence Hobgood, Brian Torff and Paul Wertico. Again it demonstrates how a traditional line-up of piano, bass and drums can explore harmonic boundaries yet remain accessible and engaging.

The 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.

Recording engineer, Ken Christianson has brought his skills to bear again and delivers a direct to stereo performance that is unedited, unmixed and untampered with in any way.

Union [Hobgood, Torff and Wertico] Union NaimCD015

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.