PROJECTS

In the past years, I have written a lot of music for big bands and jazz orchestras. In 2021, I took the venture of forming my own ensemble and recorded two CDs. Since then, working with this ensemble has become my artistic focus and I feel honored to be able to do so. 

Featuring a stellar line-up of musicians, 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. In 2022, the Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra released the first album Conspiracy and in 2024 the second album Innuendo followed. Both albums were released on the prestigious German label Mons Records and have been critically acclaimed.

Both recordings can be found on all streaming platforms, or you can purchase a copy of the CDs by sending me an email. If you are interested in acquiring any composition or arrangement or hire me as a composer and arranger for your project, don't hesitate to contact me. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

 

Conspiracy

In September 2022, Mons Records released the new album from the German saxophonist Tobias Hoffmann titled Conspiracy. Under the motto "things just keep getting bigger" this recording follows his 2019 release Retrospective recorded with a nine piece band and this time features a full big band. This recording shows Tobias Hoffmann firmly in control of his composer heart. The band is amazing with each section blending together in such a way that only more established bands sound. This recording certainly makes a statement and that is the Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra is here and can’t be ignored.

The title track Conspiracy was awarded the 3^rd prize at the "Bill Conti Big Band Contest 2021“ organized by the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC). On top of that, the composition Relentless was awarded the 1^st prize in the “Original Composition – Large Ensemble” at the 2022 45^th Annual Downbeat Student Music Awards.

Innuendo

In September 2024, Mons Records released the latest album from the multi-award winning saxophonist, composer and arranger Tobias Hoffmann titled Innuendo. Following the successful album Conspiracy, released in 2022, Innuendo once again sees Tobias in a Big Band setting with an album featuring eight original compositions, including the title track that was awarded “Best Composition” in the category “Original Composition – Large Ensemble” at the 47^th Annual Downbeat Student Music Awards.

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.

Ever since I have been a musician, 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.
It is not always easy for me to unite both. With the Nonet, I have finally not only managed to merge all my different musical influences of the past years but also to write and play music in which I find myself reflected both as a saxophone player and as a composer and arranger.

When in 2017 I started to plan this project and write the music, I didn’t know yet in which direction the music would go, not to mention what was lying ahead of me, which ups and downs I would need to go through and if I would ever be able to realize this project on the level I was aiming for. Looking back, it feels almost surreal to hold the CD in my hands and being able to say that I am very satisfied with the result.

I would like to thank my incredible band. Each of them helped with their commitment, their musicality and their personality to bring this music alive.

Award Winner

The Tobias Hoffmann Nonet has won the 1^st prize in the category “Band” in the 2019 edition of the prestigious and worldwide Online Made in New York Jazz Competition. The judges were Lenny White, Mike Stern and Randy Brecker. This is such an honor for me and the whole band.

Retrospective

Since September 2019, the album Retrospective of the Tobias Hoffmann Nonet is out on the Austrian label Alessa Records. You find the recording on any streaming platform or you can purchase a copy of the CD by sending me an email.

Musicians

Simon Plötzeneder - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Stefan Gottfried - Alto Saxophone
Tobias Hoffmann - Tenor & Soprano Saxophone
Daniel Holzleitner - Trombone
Fabian Rucker - Bass Clarinet & Baritone Saxophone
Christopher Pawluk - Guitar
Philipp Nykrin - Piano 
Andreas Waelti - Bass
Michael Prowaznik - Drums

What others say

"I first met Tobias Hoffmann when he contacted me while I was teaching in Graz and wanted to do some studying with me. When I first heard his writing I was impressed with his melodic and rhythmic ideas. Over a period of time we discussed on how to fine tune some of the musical questions he had asked. This CD is some of the results of our meetings and am very happy with the results. When you listen to the performances you cannot believe the wonderful fat sound he gets out of five horns and four rhythm. This has to do with his sense of orchestration, knowing how to put the right instruments on the right notes creating some interesting colors. Sometimes the music can be quite difficult but for the right reasons and the musicians he assembled to play his music play it superbly from beginning to end both in ensemble playing and the solos including Tobias himself on tenor and soprano saxophones. Some great grooves and great melodies. Please enjoy this recording of Tobias’ work as much I have."

Michael Abene
Grammy winning Producer/Arranger/Educator

Ella Forever - A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

One of the best jazz singers in Austria with a tribute to the First Lady of Jazz,  Ella Fitzgerald.

Awarded with the Jazz Fest Vienna Vocal Award, Karin Bachner shows honor to the legendary songbook recordings of the "First Lady of Jazz", Ella Fitzgerald. Classics from the American Songbook like The Lady Is a Tramp, Mack the Knife, What a Wonderful World, Night and Day and much more will make the audience swing. Karin Bachner and the top-class Pocket Big Band proof that just 8 musicians can bring full big band sound on stage.

In the Mood for Christmas

Every year, hits like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Santa Baby and Winter Wonderland accompany us through the most beautiful but also busiest time of the year. It's all the better when you can listen to these classics of the American songbook in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

Karin Bachner & The Pocket Big Band serve a wide potpourri of beloved Christmas melodies and also let Austrian songs such as Leise rieselt der Schnee or Es wird scho glei dumper sound in a fresh and modern big band sound. With her powerful, charming voice as well as her charismatic stage presence, Karin Bachner already enchanted the audience with her Ella Fitzgerald Tribute. She is one of the most outstanding jazz singers in the country and impresses with her top-class Pocket Big Band at concerts and festivals at home and abroad.
 

From White Christmas to Jingle Bells and Leise rieselt der Schnee to Last Christmas - timeless songs in a jazzy, swinging style will make your heart beat faster! Treat yourself to an extra large portion of Christmas Mood!
 

The Band

Karin Bachner - Vocals 
Herb Berger - Alto Saxophone, Flute, Alto Flute & Clarinet
Tobias Hoffmann - Tenor Saxophone, Flute & Clarinet
Simon Plötzeneder - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Robert Bachner - Trombone
Robert Schönherr - Piano & Keys
Johannes Strasser - Bass
Walter Grassmann - Drums 

For more information check out the website of Karin Bachner & The Pocket Big Band.