 Laurence Hobgood |
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Story and Photos by Brad Walseth Chicago welcomed back one of their own last weekend, when pianist Laurence Hobgood returned for a weekend engagement at the Green Mill Lounge. Hobgood, perhaps best known as pianist/musical director for Kurt Elling’s, has more on his plate than working with the preeminent male jazz vocalist of our time, with a recent marriage and move to New York City, as well as a Spring 2008 duet recording session with legendary bassist Charlie Haden, among other projects in the works.This weekend’s set featured Hobgood’s bandmate with Elling, bassist Rob Amster, and young drummer Kobie Watkins (Sonny Rollins, Bobby Broom) in a solid rhythm section. Bob Mintzer from the Yellowjackets filled the tenor saxophone chair, while the bandleader tickled the ivories on the Green Mill grand. The set list included standards like "All the Things You Are," Wayne Shorter's "Dance Cadaverous," and originals from saxophonist Mintzer ("Straight Ahead,""Bop Boy")and Amster ("March to Epiphany"). Meanwhile, Hobgood brought along some originals of his own, like the beautiful "Sanctuary." An appreciative crowd braved the snow and ice Saturday night and was treated to a night of stellar jazz by this quartet. Supported admirably by Amster and Watkins, both of whom provided excellent solo turns of their own, Mintzer and Hobgood created strands of melodic gems strung together seamlessly. Working with impressive sensitivity and an understanding of how to execute music, these two put on a clinic as to how to play music. Without the need to beat an audience into submission, the band played with dynamics and textures, building to climaxes as opposed to relentlessly slamming their way through the evening. Utterly masterful! This is not to say the musicians didn’t take chances. Hobgood especially seemed to delight in taking unexpected tangents that would have even startled Monk and making them not only work in the context, but be essential. Amster played some impressive bass, while Watkins sounded a bit like Brian Blades at times. Minzter is truly a monster on sax, but maintains admirable command at all times. Hobgood, meanwhile is maybe the best young pianist in jazz and is poised to take on the world with his relocation to NYC. We here in Chicago can be proud of his success and will be watching as he continues his ascent to the very top. |
 Laurence Hobgood |
 Bob Mintzer |
 Rob Amster & Bob Mintzer |
 Bob Mintzer & Kobie Watkins |
 Bob Mintzer |
 Laurence Hobgood |
 Bob Mintzer |
Check out other recent concerts reviews and photos Contact Brad Walseth and JazzChicago.net at bwalseth60@aol.com