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Laurence Hobgood: Tesseterra
ByThe linear string introduction to "Wichita Lineman" seems singularly appropriate given the melancholic nature of the song. The relaxed trio approach to the melody backed by the string quartet is a masterpiece in understatement, but as the piece evolves it transmutes into a florid exposition of the tune. As with other numbers on the album, Hobgood's playing oscillates seamlessly between rubato and strict tempo on tunes like Paul McCartney's timeless "Blackbird," but, crucially, always integrates feelings of space and serenity. Crosby Stills and Nash's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" reflects the multi-layered original but also incorporates a spectacular solo and a joyous ensemble rendition of the most famous later section of the tune. Ray Charles' "Georgia On My Mind" is given an sumptuous, bluesy treatment, the string quartet providing an almost choir-like backing, first played arco then with delicate pizzicato, returning to bowing and finally ending with a memorably plangent piano coda. From its initial statement of the familiar melody to "We Shall Overcome," the piece morphs into a dreamy string-powered reverie.
Cole Porter's "All Of You" is defined by the jazziness of the strings working in counterpoint with the piano, resulting in a sublime version of this elegant standard. On Sting's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," the ensemble weaves its way through the song combining Hobgood's dexterous playing with the neo-classical string arrangement and yet the number still properly swings. The choice of such well-known numbers is presumably a deliberate ploy on Hobgood's part in order to reinvent them in an entirely new and dynamic context. This tactic works satisfyingly well as do his imaginative deconstructions of the songs. Hobgood has produced here an exceptional debut album for the ever-burgeoning Ubuntu Music label, which augurs very well indeed both for the pianist and the record company.
Track Listing
Witchita Lineman; Blackbird; Georgia On MyMind; Suite: Judy Blue Eyes; We Shall Overcome; All Of You; Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.
Personnel
Laurence Hobgood
pianoLaurence Hobgood: piano; Matthew Clohesy: bass; Jared Schonig: drums. Plus ETHEL: Ralph Farris: viola; Dorothy Lawson: cello; Kip Jones: violin; Corin Lee: violin.
Album information
Title: Tesseterra | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Ubuntu Music