Hobgood/Torff/Wertico - State of the Union September 1999, Chicago Tribune In 1997 a remarkable new trio staffed by pianist Laurence Hobgood, bassist Brian Torff, and drummer - percussionist Paul Wertico released a striking debut, "Union." The shimmering textures and haunting lyricism of that CD signaled that a potentially important jazz trio had arrived and instantly stoked interest in a follow-up recording. To listeners who value this trio, and there have been many, two years seemed like a long time between releases, but "State of the Union" was well worth the wait. Here are three remarkably spontaneous improvisers unafraid to veer between simple diatonic melodies and provocative splashes of dissonance, between gently swinging rhythms and free-form, unmetered statements. The thrust of this recording, as with "Union" is on translucent ensemble sound, delicately stated lyricism, and Impressionistic approach to color and an unusual degree of introspection and contemplation. With unmistakably original compositions (by each of the musicians), Hobgood/Torff/Wertico sounds like no other trio working today, and that alone is an impressive achievement. Howard Reich

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