Fri 9/2 @ 8PM
For nearly two decades pianist/composer/arranger Laurence Hobgood was the faithful sidekick and reliable sounding board for jazz vocalist extraordinaire Kurt Elling as he rose to fame and acclaim. Hobgood was Elling’s music director and a major part of 10 of his albums from 1995-2013, garnering a Grammy nomination for each and a win as producer of 2009’s Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings The Music of Coltrane and Hartman. He released a duet album, When the Heart Dances, with bassist Charlie Haden in 2007 and POEMJAZZ, with collaboration with poet Robert Pinsky in 2012. He followed that with 2012’s Laurence Hobgood Quartet Featuring Ernie Watts, a live album, and Christmas in 2013.
So when Elling decided to move in new directions, Hobgood was ready to do so as well. He debuted the Laurence Hobgood Quintet featuring Ernie Watts and launched a collaboration with vocalist Tammy McCain, as well as a trio project with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Kendrick Scott. And, like his longtime partner Elling did in 2008, he moved from Chicago to New York this year to expand his career. He’ll be performing at the Bop Stop with a trio that includes bassist Ben Rolston and drummer Stephen Boegehold. Tickets are $20.
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