PROJECTS

Award-winning composer and saxophonist Tobias Hoffmann leads his Jazz Orchestra in original orchestral jazz, celebrated for precision, inventive solos, and international acclaim

The Ensemble

The Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra is a contemporary big band ensemble led by German‑born saxophonist, composer and arranger Tobias Hoffmann. Known for its richly textured and forward‑thinking large‑ensemble jazz, the Orchestra has quickly established itself as a distinctive voice in the European jazz scene. Hoffmann’s music blends original orchestral jazz compositions with improvisational freedom, drawing on contemporary big band tradition, European jazz aesthetics and wider influences from classical, rock and minimalism to create a cohesive, richly colored ensemble sound.

Featuring a stellar line‑up of musicians from Graz, Vienna and Germany, the Orchestra has developed a high‑caliber ensemble identity, with sections that blend seamlessly and soloists who contribute inventive, expressive performances. The result is a sound that balances intellectual sophistication with emotional impact, appealing to both jazz connoisseurs and a broader audience. Critics have praised the group’s ensemble unity, compositional boldness, and richly layered orchestrations, often comparing its ambition and depth to that of established big bands while noting Hoffmann’s singular compositional voice.

Albums & Achievements

The Orchestra’s first full big band recording, Conspiracy (2022, Mons Records), marked a significant step in Hoffmann’s artistic development, following his earlier nonet album Retrospective. Conspiracy features potent original compositions that range from dynamic swing to deeply expressive orchestrations and garnered critical acclaim from jazz publications and reviewers. Its title track won 3rd prize at the Bill Conti Big Band Contest 2021 (ASMAC), and the composition Relentless earned 1st prize for “Original Composition – Large Ensemble” at the 45th Annual Downbeat Student Music Awards.

Expanding on that success, the Orchestra’s second album, Innuendo (2024, Mons Records), features eight original compositions and further cements Hoffmann’s reputation as a creative force in large‑ensemble jazz. The album’s title track was awarded “Best Composition” (Original Composition – Large Ensemble) at the 47th Annual Downbeat Student Music Awards, and critics and jazz writers have praised its eclectic yet cohesive blending of styles, dramatic structures, and compelling solos. Innuendo has been called a standout work in contemporary big band jazz, where Hoffmann’s ability to fuse jazz with influences from classical, rock and minimalism creates a thrilling listening experience.

Both albums are released on the prestigious German label Mons Records, whose roster includes internationally respected jazz artists, and are available on all major streaming platforms. The Orchestra’s growing catalogue and critical recognition reflect its role as a visionary ensemble that pushes the boundaries of modern jazz composition and performance.

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.

Award Winner

The Tobias Hoffmann Nonet has won the 1^st prize 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.

Retrospective

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

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

Ella Forever - A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

One of the best jazz singers in Austria with a tribute to the First Lady of Jazz,  Ella Fitzgerald.

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

I am very happy to be a member of the well-known Jazz Bigband Graz since October 2022. It is always an honor and a pleasure to play with such a fantastic ensemble and to share the stage with these great colleagues.
 

The Space Between Us - Music Reflecting our Society

Due to the global situation, our society has been collectively challenged for several years now not only to leave the beaten track, but also to break new ground in many areas. This includes creativity and new ways of thinking. We are also becoming increasingly aware that these challenging times are holding up a mirror to our society and that they are also putting pressure on and changing our interpersonal relationships. Cohesion seems more fragile than ever, but what does that do to each and every one of us?

The new program of the Jazz Bigband Graz entitled The Space Between Us deals precisely with this interpersonal space, which has increasingly come into focus due to the pandemic, and sheds light on the current state of our society. But not with a raised index finger, but with the sensitive expressiveness of music on topics such as “hope”, “fear”, “resistance”, ‘respect’ or “freedom”. These are no longer empty buzzwords of individual sensitivities or personal views, but highly stylized and emotionally discussed topics in the media. What is certain is that a distancing virus has increasingly infiltrated all of our lives in recent months, which in many cases no longer allows us to clearly distinguish reality from fiction.

Horst-Michael Schaffer subtly plays with this tension-filled space and makes it visible in almost epic compositions. On the one hand playfully light, on the other melancholically meditative or even spectacular, as if everything were just an exaggerated unreality, this journey into the human cosmos immerses you in a musical world of its own - somewhere between jazz, pop, world, minimal music and electronics. It brings together some of the best musicians and soloists on the European jazz scene.

With video recordings and a sophisticated sound and lighting design, this program becomes a multimedia experience. A profound and entertaining examination of the present. Contemporary jazz could hardly be more exciting!

The recording can be found on all streaming platforms, or a copy of the CD can be purchased here. 

I am very happy to be part of Ursula Reicher's Globular Cluster. With this formation we play exclusively the great music of Ursi. Her CD Welcome to Dark Matter came out in 2023 and it's well worth listening to.

Welcome to Dark Matter 

The album Welcome To Dark Matter is Ursula Reicher's reminder that "death is the most natural thing next to life." Reicher ventures deep into one of the greatest taboo subjects: death. Determined to transcend her own boundaries as well as those of others, the singer, pianist and composer insists on meeting the delicate space beyond our comfort zone with ease. As an artist who loves challenges, she together with her contemporary big band The Globular Cluster invites us to face the greatest test of all: Finding solace in the beauty and fragility of life, right alongside the melancholy of the great unknown.

Musically, the album explores the stages of grief when words alone are no longer enough. Inspired by the poetry of Masha Kalèko and the research of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Welcome To Dark Matter is a fusion of influences from jazz, classical music, dark pop and rock. The music is dedicated to all those who are still on earth - the retarded.

On Welcome to Dark Matter Reicher wants to give space to her different musical influences and therefore the album is not a traditional jazz big band album. Elements from classical music, rock music and influences from darkpop as well as electronical musal will be a a part of the music. 

The recording can be found on all streaming platforms, or a copy of the CD can be purchased here.