There’s a deep well of narrative woven into the sonic tapestry of this album — and those narratives unfold on two levels. First, through the stories each song tells. Second, through the personal and artistic journeys of the two collaborators: Ben Jones and Laurence Hobgood, whose convergence produced a work of great emotional resonance.
The songs chart a powerful emotional arc — one that reflects the raw, honest, often messy nature of romantic love. The lyrics chronicle the timeless journey: from heartbreak and bitterness, to aching vulnerability, to the cautious — yet often inevitable — embrace of love again. These stories, though universal, feel intensely personal in the hands of Jones and Hobgood.
Then there is the story of the artists themselves. Ben and Laurence both grew up in Midwestern towns less than 100 miles apart — Peoria and Urbana, Illinois — though separated by a generation. Laurence’s classical roots gave way to jazz improvisation, while Ben’s path took him from operatic training to a more genre-fluid career encompassing musical theater, jazz, and beyond. Both artists pursued their crafts with extraordinary focus: Laurence perfecting the delicate balance of jazz piano, Ben mastering the physical art of vocal performance.
Their meeting wasn’t predestined by geography but by artistic serendipity. They crossed paths not in the Midwest, but in the global creative sphere where artists evolve, collide, and collaborate. Their connection was immediate — a shared language built from musical curiosity, interpretive sensitivity, and respect for the eclectic: from jazz to soul, from musical theater to rock.
The result of their collaboration is a rich, emotionally intelligent recording — one that places as much value on silence and phrasing as on virtuosity. Duke Ellington famously said, “There are two kinds of music: good music and the other kind.” That ethos underpins this project entirely. What you hear is music made with honesty, clarity, and an elevated commitment to beauty.
Helping shape this sonic experience is the pristine engineering of Leslie Ann Jones, and the world-class acoustics of Skywalker Sound. Every note, every phrase is rendered with striking detail and warmth.
So lean back, listen with intent, and let the outside world fade. What awaits is a masterclass in storytelling, musical synergy, and the power of connection.
Ben Jones is a multifaceted performer whose credits span Off-Broadway, opera, and international cabarets. He has appeared in productions like Twist of Fate and Brooklyn’s Bridge, as well as classics such as Chicago, Sweeney Todd, and Show Boat. With a background in theater, dance, and classical music from the University of Illinois and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Ben has shared stages with luminaries like Rita Moreno, Nathan Gunn, and Frederica Von Stade. His dynamic voice has appeared in radio, video games (Halo, Civilization), and on Carnegie Hall’s 2021 Voices of Hope. He continues to tour globally with his acclaimed solo performances.
A Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and arranger, Laurence Hobgood has carved out an illustrious career across genres and stages. From Aspen to Carnegie Hall, the White House to the Sydney Opera House, he is recognized for his sophisticated touch and emotive arrangements. He was an integral force behind Kurt Elling’s first ten albums — all Grammy-nominated — and is a Yamaha® artist celebrated for pushing the boundaries of modern jazz. Whether leading his own ensembles or collaborating with top-tier vocalists, Hobgood remains a vital force in contemporary music.
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