Record Reviews

TOBIAS HOFFMANN NONET ~ RETROSPECTIVE ALESSA 1076 (Barcode: 9004501010767) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by German (resident in Austria) Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Tobias HoffmannFind albums by this artist recorded with his nonet (five horns and four-piece rhythm section). It presents ten original compositions, all by Hoffmann. The music is melody based mainstream Jazz, excellently arranged and orchestrated for the nonet and sounding almost like a big band. The compositions are all well rounded and obviously created with this setting in mind. The music is performed passionately and spotlessly by the highly professional group of players, with many splendid soli and superb teamwork from start to finish. The nonet sounds great both when playing the highly energetic up tempo swinging numbers and the soulful ballads, which results in a well balanced and diverse collection of tunes. Although not particularly innovative or groundbreaking musically, this album is a splendid tribute to large Jazz ensembles and classic Jazz arrangements, which often get totally neglected these days. Hoffmann manages to bring back the full glory of a well arranged and splendidly executed classic sound of a large Jazz band, which of course is still an integral part of the Jazz tradition. One should appreciate the enormous commitment and time invested to conceive, produce and record an album like this one, crowned with such elegant and musically pleasing result, especially so in case of musicians of the young generation devoted to our beloved music. Well done indeed!

Updated: 02/10/2022Posted: 24/01/2020

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