“Simply amazing…”
Two nights.
Two workshops.
Two performances.
Doo-Bop reviews musical mastermind Laurence Hobgood.
Laurence Hobgood Workshops
Reviewed by Ingrid James
“A recalibration of our desire to understand – not just an activity”
Grammy award-winning piano virtuoso, composer, arranger, producer and educator from the USA, Laurence Hobgood, left a permanent imprint on Brisbane singers and instrumentalists at the two workshops he conducted at Doo-Bop on Saturday 21st April 2018. Each workshop delved deeply into our motivations for learning and for our creative practices, as well as offering practical steps to develop a way of working that can be “brain friendly” – a system for practising. As Laurence suggested, “the way your brain wants to learn is not the way your ego wants to learn”.
The appreciative participants who attended both workshops – “Jazz Vocal Workshop: Beyond Technique” and “Slowing Down: Key Steps Toward Expanding Musical Consciousness” were introduced to an understanding of the dynamic relationship between the brain and ego and how that can impact on their sense of creative direction – the positive and the negative. We all learned that we are capable of confronting and acknowledging the “nature of our desires” through deeper self-reflection and personal honesty, confirming that we have the potential to recalibrate the direction of our future learning and practice. It was a powerful afternoon with Laurence, one that will continue to guide us through the internal dialogue we need to help determine what drives us as creative practitioners”.
Ingrid James, jazz singer/educator, Brisbane
The Participants
“It is not that long ago that you would have to travel to the other side of the world to be mentored by a musician of the calibre of Laurence Hobgood, a multi-Grammy award nominee and winner. To be able to do this in our very own city, in the intimate setting of a world-class jazz venue was such a privilege. It was simply amazing”.
Andrew Butt, saxophonist/educator
“The workshops with Laurence Hobgood were an incredible opportunity to hear first-hand the philosophy of a master musician. The workshops were very valuable for my own music practice and my teaching. It is wonderful that Doo-Bop is providing access to visiting artists of this calibre through these workshops”.
Melissa Forbes, jazz singer/educator, Toowoomba
Laurence Hobgood Trio
“It is great to see the caliber of musicians such as Laurence Hobgood Trio performing at Doo-Bop. It was a world class performance displaying the highest levels of technique and improvisation skills combined with recognisable tunes as well as original compositions. The support of Laurence’s trio Sam Anning – bass and Danny Fisher drums was exemplary” – Greg Quigley
With their truly impressive musical skill and undeniable talent, Laurence Hobgood, Danny Fischer and Sam Anning left the Doo-Bop audience (and staff!) blown away after their two performances. The three musicians looked at home together on stage despite coming from different parts of the globe.
Not only was this trio a gift to the ears, the band’s enthusiasm and genuinely cheerful demeanor were felt both on and off the stage. The contagious vibes were felt throughout the basement into the wee hours of the morning. We got up close and personal with the band and the audience. Here are the highlights!