By P.E. Garrett (Travelers Rest, SC, USA)

March 10, 2008 — Marc Hoffman is nothing if not versatile. He is a performer and composer as well as an educator. Though having written and performed in many genres, and for the screen, orchestra and solo performance among others, his latest endeavor, released on his own Virillion label, is titled simply “Jazz.”

But simple is not a suitable adjective for this fresh and diverse recording. With Jazz, Mr. Hoffman, who wrote the charts, and produced the disc in his studio not far from Charlotte, NC, shows a maturity that comes from years of experience in performance and composition.

The opening track, “HEFTI” features the spirited sax playing of Tim Gordon in an upbeat piece that is a good jumping off point for the rest of the album. Marc’s piano virtuosity is highlighted on “G min”, a song reminiscent of the 60’s era “Cool School.” The evocative “Introspective” will probably have you hitting the “repeat” button on your CD player a few times.

That Marc was able to attract world class musicians the likes of the Grammy nominated guitarist Sharpe, and Gordon, the perennial Four Tops’ saxophonist to the sleepy little micropolis of Salisbury, NC speaks well of his stature as a musician. He explores many different styles here ending with a jazz violin piece dedicated to Jean luc Ponty.

This disc will find a nice home in your car’s player and may be there for the long haul.