PROJECTS

In the past years 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 with musicians from Graz, Vienna and Germany and recording my first CD. 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 both critically acclaimed.

You find both recordings on any streaming platform or can purchase a copy of the CDs by sending me an e-mail. If you are interested in purchasing 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.

Album - "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 titel 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 first prize in the “Original Composition – Large Ensemble” category at the 2022″ 45th annual Downbeat Student Music Awards”.

Album - "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 47th 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.

Award Winner

The Tobias Hoffmann Nonet has won the first place 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.

Information

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.

Album "Retrospective"

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

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

Awarded with the Jazz Fest Vienna Vocal Award, Karin Bachner shows honour 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.