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American composer and cellist Christopher Hoffman is almost unknown for wide public. He is the author of several soundtracks, worked with Martin Scorcese, Yoko Ono, Marianne Faithfull and many others. For modern jazz listeners he could be known as member of several Henry Threadgill bands (incl. Zooid,Dimples and Double-Up Ensemble) and sax player Tony Malaby Tubacello Quartet.
As a leader, Hoffman released four albums of which the newest one is self-produced Silver Cord Quintet. Containing one of the best modern jazz musicians as reedist Tony Malaby and pianist Kris Davis on board among others, Silver Cord Quintet plays very modern form of adventurous jazz combining well-composed songs with quite free members' improvisations.
Band leader Hoffman's classical roots are feel-able on every album's composition, but nothing sounds chamber here. Young drummer Craig Weinrib adds lot of muscular groove and trombonist Ben Gerstein is inventively destructive. Compositions are well-written but played with with high level of inventiveness inside with excellent Malaby's sax and Davis piano soloing against each other.
Still, quite quirky and far-not-so accessible music sounds surprisingly beautiful and attractive. Great example how advanced and complex in great hands can sound simply great - one among better advanced jazz albums released this year. It's a shame if this self-released piece of art will pass unnoticed.