'Innuendo' marks the latest album release from the incredibly talented and versatile Tobias Hoffmann.
For the German-born saxophonist and composer, Hoffmann's talents have been justifiably celebrated for years. A highly-educated and highly-decorated artist, Hoffmann has seen tremendous successes in his career; As well as having cultivated a catalogue that has positioned him as an inspired jazz creative, Hoffmann's musical passions have also found him immersed within a diverse array of ensembles and collectives from serving as a collaborator for artists including Benny Golson, Bob Mintzer and Paul Kuhn, to helming his own nine-person ensemble to performing alongside a selection of revered European big bands like Hamburg's NDR Big Band and the Bulgarian National Radio Big Band.
Consistently steeped within his desire to create and to perform, Hoffmann continues to garner praise and plaudits for his releases over the years. 'Innuendo' sees the (re)formation of the Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra - perhaps his most ambitious project to date but one that he seems to tackle with adept ease. With 'Conspiracy' only having been released in 2022 - the first album by Hoffmann's Jazz Orchestra - it's a testament to the artist's overall enthusiasm and eager approach to creativity that listeners would be able to see him back behind the conductor's podium so soon.
With the recording sessions having taken place over the course of three days in Graz, Austria, August 2023, Hoffmann approaches the sophomore release again as its composer, producer and conductor helming an epic ensemble of immeasurably talented artists and musicians for the eight tracks that comprise 'Innuendo'. Seemingly very comfortable working with such large ensembles, Tobias Hoffmann once again delivers an outstanding production befitting his years of continual successes and achievements.
While the more spirited pieces like the album's 'Innuendo' title track and 'Summer Solstice' are near joyous, making for riveting listens, there's a certain captivating quality to the more introspective numbers. Namely, the treasure here is likely to be found with 'No Way Back' where pianist Viola Hammer absolutely enchants during her solo. The album's closing number in 'Perseverance' also warrants special mention - its brilliant composition elegantly captures the urgency of the song's theme making it another delectable standout.
'Innuendo' is a wonderful project and one that stands tall amongst the expanding trophy case of Tobias Hoffmann releases.
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