CD Naim Hobgood, Torff, Wertico: Union

1997

Union

Laurence Hobgood - pian
Brian Q.Torff - bas
Paul Wertico - tobe, percutie

Chicago Tribune

"The three innovative and accomplished artists who titled this recording Union do not use the term lightly. Each of the ensemble tracks on this sublime disc seamlessly interweaves the work of pianist Laurence Hobgood, bassist Brian Torff and drummer Paul Wertico. Hobgood's pianism - with its shimmering arpeggios, advanced harmonies and pervasively singing tone - is at the center of the music-making. But Torff's remarkably inventive bass playing and Wertico's stylistically far-reaching drum work bring context and tension to Hobgood's ravishing pianism. Throughout, the musical language is fresh, the improvisations unpredictable, the very sound of the recording vivid and palpable. Without doubt one of the best jazz recordings of the year."
Chicago Sun-Times

"Recorded in a church, this is a powerfully subdued effort by pianist Hobgood, bassist Torff and drummer Wertico. But don't let the Mr. Hyde tone here fool you. In performance, the trio emulates Dr. Jekyll by going for the throat."
Jazz Times

"This piano trio gets a unique sound by stretching things beyond customary limits via timbre, dynamics, voicings, but never bend basic harmonic or rhythmic rules to speak of. Daring and conservative at once, and quite creative in their chosen range. Hobgood is as Bleyful as Evansesque, with an ear for unexpected harmonic tension. These three work amazingly well together for a studio combination, and the choice of material is excellent."
Modern Drummer

"Maybe this is what we should be considering "contemporary jazz." No, not some instrumental pop/R&B pablum...not at all. The selections presented here have a fresh, spontaneous approach both to jazz standards and group originals, all of which are filled with colorful sounds, individual improvisation, and magical group chemistry that would be welcome (and needed) on more records. Paul Wertico flat out nails every tune's mood and groove, and he also provides a wonderful personality to his territory in the musical landscape. There's quite a variety to choose from here: swinging, driving, and straight-ahead tunes (with some bombastic "fours") like "Not Enough Of Too Much"; delicate, touching brush work on classic ballads like "My One And Only Love" and "Blue In Green"; and even some unique Latin flavorings on "The Very Thought Of You" and "I'm Glad There Is You." There are completely improvised gems here as well. "Laurel House" has Mr. Wertico almost exclusively playing dark, earthy, thick cymbals (a whisper of a brushed snare is the only exception), while "Free Lunch" sees him creating "sheets of sound" on more surfaces than you would expect from a drumset. "Inflections" is an improvised drum solo featuring hands, brushes, voice, Krupa-esque swing, out-of-time tom flourishes - and one heck of a great, witty ending. Union closes with Duke Ellington's "What Am I Here For," which at first has you thinking the trio has suddenly gone "lounge" on us. But the tongue is firmly in cheek, for by the end they once again provide playful interplay through their harmony, solos, and - quite wonderfully - some rhythmic manipulations that are just plain fun. At its best, traditional jazz is smart, improvisational, and full of group chemistry. Union proves contemporary jazz can have those qualities, too." Four stars!

 

[ AllMusic ]

Laurence Hobgood is best known for being singer Kurt Elling's regular pianist. Hobgood's solos are thoughtful and inventive, so it is only right that he finally has a chance to fully shine on this CD. The date actually features a co-op group that also includes the virtuosic bassist Brian Torff (who has had a lower profile since he impressed many during his period with George Shearing) and drummer Paul Wertico. Most of their collaborations on this set are taken at slow to medium tempos, with the improvisations being melodic, lightly swinging, and full of subtle surprises. Torff has a few features (being particularly impressive on "Amazing Grace"), Wertico plays well in support, and Hobgood is in top form. The program concludes with a humorous version of "What Am I Here For." Recommended.