Hoff Ensemble, Winter Quiets Nigts

Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei come close enough to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles.

For the opening of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, Krzysztof Penderecki set to music the text of the Ekecheiria (Truce) Agreement, agreed in 884 BC to ensure the peaceful running of the Games. In 2022, Munich celebrated and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the ""cheerful"" Games, which unfortunately ended in tragedy. In this context, Fumio Yasuda was commissioned to once again set Ekecheiria to music as a mirror of those events.

Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei come close enough to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles. If you have ever wondered what 'fusion' sounds like musically…then wonder no more. It is laid out, immaculately, in this most special album. We hear fusion in all its glory, the crossover between jazz, funk and rock performed with perfect precision. This is achieved not only with excellence of composition and inexorable instrumental virtuosity, but also by choice of studio, production and mastering techniques.

Norwegian pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff has released several albums in the recent years performing original compositions; solo as on LIVING and with his FLY NORTH Quartet. This time Hoff delivers a concept album performing 15 songs and Christmas carols, both Norwegian standards and international classics. Stille lys (Quiet Light) is Jan Gunnar Hoff's commission for Nordnorsk Lederutvikling, a group of Northern Trainees aiming to add an artistic and musical profile to their concept with an atmosphere of tranquility and proximity. Seeking inspiration in the North and at Ingmar Bergman Estate by the Baltic Sea, Hoff continues his solo journey, once again recorded by multi-Grammy nominated Morten Lindberg and 2L.

Norwegian pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff has had the honor of being the first artist on Losen Records to release an album recorded at producer and label owner Odd Gjelsnes' studio Berxeta, in sunny Spain. It was fitting that the name of that album was called Berxeta (Losen Records, 2012), and its sound was influenced by the surroundings: a warm and eclectic brand of fusion with influence from bouncing Latin rhythms.

Norwegian pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff has released several albums in the recent years performing original compositions; solo as on LIVING and with his FLY NORTH Quartet. This time Hoff delivers a concept album performing 15 songs and Christmas carols, both Norwegian standards and international classics. "Stille lys" (Quiet Light) is Jan Gunnar Hoff's commission for Nordnorsk Lederutvikling, a group of Northern Trainees aiming to add an artistic and musical profile to their concept with an atmosphere of tranquility and proximity. Seeking inspiration in the North and at Ingmar Bergman Estate by the Baltic Sea, Hoff continues his solo journey, once again recorded by multi-Grammy nominated Morten Lindberg and 2L.

Why does it seem that the bands without pianists seem to be producing the best current interpretations of Monk material? Last year we had Ben Riley's gem, and now, (Plays Monk) - this thought provoking beauty - features the unlikely amalgamation of drummer Scott Amendola mixing it up with clarinetist Ben Goldberg and bassist Devin Hoff. Wisely, this trio doesn't try to recreate the sound of Monk's music; more often they take the melodies of these lesser known songs from the Monk canon and take them to the next idiosyncratic step. For instance, Goldberg's mid and lower ranged foray on Reflections perfectly captures the ponderously pensive mood. Amendola and Hoff furtively create a bustled rhythm on Little Rootie Tootie, while Goldberg restrains the melody by playing restrained and held back loopy notes. The tension between these two forces is joyfully palpable. The band is also able to reach the out layers of Monk's cerebellum, as on the wild and wooly Teo and & Four In One. Hoff's bass work on the latter is a roller coaster ride in itself. The idea of taking off road excursions with Monk's vehicle was a smart concept, and these guys do some remarkable ATVing with it.

'Echolocation' is the astonishing debut album from Mendoza Hoff Revels, a formidable new unit led by Ava Mendoza & Devin Hoff and featuring James Brandon Lewis & Ches Smith.