CD Release Innuendo – Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra

Tobias Hoffmann’s new album Innuendo offers a bold and intricate journey into the world of contemporary jazz, seamlessly blending elements from classical music, rock, and minimalism. Released in September 2024 by Mons Records, the album features eight richly composed tracks that showcase Hoffmann’s prowess as both a composer and arranger, building upon the success of his previous work, Conspiracy.

The album opens with the title track, “Innuendo”, a dynamic homage to Queen’s iconic composition. Hoffmann, captivated by Queen’s ability to shift emotions and moods within the piece, brings this spirit into his jazz orchestra arrangement. The track’s complexity and versatility set the tone for the rest of the album. Featuring a stunning alto saxophone solo by Florian Trübsbach, the track won “Best Composition” at the 47th Downbeat Student Music Awards. The orchestra’s ability to capture the essence of this legendary rock piece while making it entirely its own is a testament to Hoffmann’s skill in combining disparate musical traditions.

Each track on Innuendo reflects Hoffmann’s deep emotional and intellectual engagement with composition. “Summer Solstice” explores a range of moods and textures, with Simon Harrer’s trombone solo providing a warm contrast to the album’s more intricate works. “No Way Back” presents a more challenging, rhythmically complex structure, reflecting Hoffmann’s personal struggles during its creation. Inspired by artists like Chris Potter and Dave Holland, this track showcases the ensemble’s technical abilities, featuring powerful solos by trumpeter Gerhard Ornig and pianist Viola Hammer.

Tracks like “Sanctuary” and “Convictions” demonstrate Hoffmann’s evolving style, with the former offering a tender ballad carried by a heartfelt tenor saxophone solo from Martin Harms, while the latter stems from an experimental approach based on using only the white keys of the piano. These compositions highlight Hoffmann’s willingness to push boundaries and explore new territories, adding depth and variety to the album.

“Bipolarity”, influenced by both classical music and minimalism, stands out as an inventive fusion of styles. The track’s intricate design and use of through-composed forms reflect Hoffmann’s growing interest in creating compositions that evolve continuously without repetition, a technique that reaches its peak in the closing track, “Perseverance”. This final piece, one of Hoffmann’s longest works for jazz orchestra, exemplifies his dedication to intricate, evolving musical narratives, leaving the listener in anticipation of what comes next.

Innuendo is a captivating and ambitious album that cements Tobias Hoffmann’s reputation as one of the most exciting voices in modern jazz. His ability to blend genres while maintaining cohesion, supported by the virtuosic performance of his orchestra, makes this album a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and anyone interested in contemporary large ensemble music.