Will Hobson
Pianist // Songwriter // Educator
“Hobson is a versatile up-and-coming pianist with open ears a beautiful touch. His ability to remain present in the moment makes him a joy to play with, whilst his growing virtuosity adds a captivating energy when his right hand is free to roam.”
“A gifted young musician. He has a great understanding of improvisation and its disciplines.”
“Seemingly effortlessly, pianist Will Hobson proficiently exemplifies how to blur the lines between jazz and folk styles of improvisation in his playing.”
About
Will Hobson is a versatile and forward thinking pianist and songwriter based in London.
At 25 years old, his artistic voice draws on a wide range of influences, where a deep knowledge of the jazz idiom meets minimalist inspired motifs, elements of ambient sound design and catchy earworm melodies. In particular, Will cites Herbie Hancock and Steve Reich as musicians that have had a profound influence on his musical upbringing, and loves to combine these ideas with sounds inspired by artists such as Lucy Rose and Seafarers.
Will has performed extensively across the country, particularly in Essex and London. Most notably he has had the opportunity to gig at some of the capitals most renowned jazz clubs, including Ronnie Scott’s, Oliver’s and The Vortex, as well as having played piano for world famous hotels such as The Dorchester and The Savoy. He has also had the chance to perform abroad, including at The Botanical Gardens in Sicily.
At the beginning of this year, Will and longtime collaborator Amy Hollingsworth announced their latest project, Talkline. This band had the opportunity to record their original music at Abbey Road Studios in November 2023, and again in January 2024, which culminated in their debut EP, available on all streaming platforms now.
Collaboration is hugely important to Will, and alongside Talkline he has also spent time writing and recording music with other artists, including Kinga Hornik and Mo Green, with singles ‘Timber and Salt’ and ‘Give Me Your Time’ streaming now.
Hobson also performs regularly with a variety of bands and solo acts for their own projects. These include Marie Naffah, Chisara Agor, The VV Experience, Marlon Hibbert and more.
In 2022, he graduated with a First Class Degree in Jazz Piano from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and now maintains a portfolio career, balancing teaching the piano with his freelance recording and performance work.
upcoming Public performances
29th November 2024 - performing with the Oxford House Jazz Band at Oxford House (Bethnal Green, London)
Media
Photography by Seb JJ Peters (@sebjjp) and Svetlana Nemchenko (@lana_photoset)