Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra - "Innuendo"

German label, Mons Records is set to release the latest album from the multi-winning saxophonist, composer and arranger Tobias Hoffmann titled “Innuendo”. Following the successful album “Conspiracy”, released in 2022, “Innuendo” again sees Tobias in a Big Band setting with an album featuring eight compositions, including the title track that was awarded “Best Composition” in category “Original Composition – Large Ensemble” at the 47th Downbeat Music Awards.

Tobias stated in a recent interview with Jazz In Europe magazine “… there have been two hearts beating in my chest: on the one hand that of the saxophone player and on the other that of the composer and arranger.” Grammy Winning Producer/Arranger, Michael Abene stated in the albums liner notes “I was blown away by what I heard on these recordings, to say he has matured as an Arranger/Composer is an understatement.”

Featuring a stellar line-up of musicians from Vienna, Graz and Germany, the Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra has developed into an ensemble of note with each section blending together in such a way that only more established bands sound. Abene went on to say “The writing is fresh, exciting and requires serious listening”, a statement that is right on point.

After the success of “Conspiracy” Tobias initially doubted whether he could produce another album of such high quality. As he admitted, “With this positive feedback I received, self-doubt arose: Would I be able to produce another album of the same quality?” Pushing aside those concerns, Tobias composed and arranged new material, grateful that his “passionate and dedicated musicians were willing to have another arduous go with a further production.” In summer 2023, the orchestra spent a week in Graz, Austria “working on the music and dived deep into the new material to get the best out of the music, most of which had never been played before.” The resulting album left Hoffmann “not only deeply satisfied and proud, but also thankful that I could record my own music and we all together were able to shape the music and bring it to life.”

The Album opens with the title track “Innuendo” that pays homage to the legendary rock band Queen. Hoffmann was fascinated from an early age by the shifting moods and emotions that unfold over the course of that composition. His “Innuendo” captures that multifaceted spirit, combining various aspects into one dynamic piece. Featuring an alto saxophone solo by Florian Trübsbach, as mentioned above, the work earned “Best Composition” honours in the large ensemble category at the 47th Downbeat Student Music Awards.

The following piece “Summer Solstice” aims to represent a range of moods and styles, Hoffmann composed this piece, rooted in the tradition just before the summer solstice in June 2023. With a trombone solo by Simon Harrer, “Summer Solstice” provides a contrast to the album’s more intricate contemporary works while still embodying Hoffmann’s distinctive compositional voice. The mood changes with “No Way Back”, a complex piece in mixed meters that emerged from a difficult life period for Hoffmann. This piece channels an outpouring of newfound energy and is inspired by artists like Alex Sipiagin, Chris Potter, and Dave Holland. “No Way Back” features solos by trumpeter Gerhard Ornig and pianist Viola Hammer. The composition, which aims for musical coherence despite its challenging rhythms, earned third prize in the 2022 Big Band de Canarias composition contest.

Continuing with “Sanctuary”, a deeply personal work that features a heartfelt tenor solo performed by Martin Harms. In his liner notes Abene made note of the track stating “Being a ballad freak “Sanctuary” is a lovely ballad played beautifully” Changing up the tempo is “Convictions”. Stemming from an exercise by Bob Brookmeyer that uses only the white keys of the piano, this piece fundamentally changed how Hoffmann approaches composing. Patrick Dunst’s alto saxophone solo exemplifies the fresh possibilities that emerged from such self-imposed constraints on the compositional process.

Inspired by both classical music and minimalism, “Bipolarity” finds Hoffmann fusing those influences with his jazz background. He aimed to craft the piece a non-traditional yet coherent manner to sound like and arranged “saxophone solo”. Robert Bachner provides the valve trombone solo on this track. One could see this piece as exploring new contexts for traditional compositional concepts. The album continues with an ethereal track titled “The Lake”. Atmospheric impressions from a misty winter morning on Lake Attersee in Austria inspired this evocative work. Hoffmann sought to musically capture the powerful yet serene energy of the lake’s subtle movements through various formal sections and solos by Jakob Helling on trumpet and Vilkka Wahl on guitar.

Closing out the set is “Perseverance” one of Hoffmann’s longest compositions for jazz orchestra. This track exemplifies his growing interest in through-composed forms that develop continuously rather than repeating. The title reflects the mental stamina required to fully realize such an intricate idea. Soloists include Robert Unterköfler on tenor sax and Florian Menzel on trumpet.

With “Innuendo”, Tobias Hoffmann has delivered a stunning follow-up to his acclaimed 2022 album “Conspiracy”. From the dynamic title track homage to Queen to the deeply personal “Sanctuary” to the groundbreaking exploration of through-composed form on “Perseverance”, this album showcases Hoffmann’s remarkable growth as a composer and arranger. His deft blending of jazz with influences like classical, rock, and minimalism results in a thrillingly eclectic yet cohesive listening experience. Bolstered by a stellar ensemble brimming with virtuosic soloists, “Innuendo” cements Hoffmann’s reputation as one of the most exciting creative voices in contemporary large ensemble jazz. With this captivating release on Mons Records, he has indeed persevered and elevated his artistry to new heights.