Jazz Articles about Steve Hobbs

Steve Hobbs: Tribute to Bobby

by Roger Farbey
October 5, 2017

Steve Hobbs's third CD featuring this quartet is studded with lively compositions, mostly written by him. The paradoxically breezy opener (considering the dark derivation of its title) “The Craving Phenomenon" is an example of this lightness of touch. Hobbs is heard here on marimba as he is on the next track “Into The Storm," a labyrinthine piece played at a helter skelter speed, mostly in 5/4. The standard “Besame Mucho" brings the pace down a little and there's a gripping ...

Steve Hobbs: Spring Cycle

by George Harris
September 5, 2005

Who says universities create an ivory tower mentality? Educator and vibes master Steve Hobbs has put out a delectably enjoyable CD of accessible, yet thought-provoking music. Employing a front line of Tom Harrell (trumpet, flugelhorn), Dave Valentin (flute), and Bob Malach (tenor), his lighter than air thematic statements serve as a perfect foil to the percussive underpinnings of Hobbs and pianist Bill O'Connell.

All of Hobbs' compositions are catchy, memorable, and thoroughly enjoyable. The modal “Blued Swings," with ...