Sunday, December 31, 2017

Hinda Hoffman - Driftin' at the Lake (2017)


By Hrayr Attarian / CHICAGO JAZZ MAGAZINE

Chicago based vocalist Hinda Hoffman interprets 13 standards in a laidback style and an intimate atmosphere on Driftin’ At The Lake, her third release as a leader.  Hoffman exhibits impeccable phrasing as she lets her clear and mellifluous voice float over her quartet in rich and emotion-laden expression. 

Backing Hoffman is a synergistic quartet of some of the area’s finest musicians.  The latter not only superbly complement Hoffman but also demonstrate seamless camaraderie within the group itself. 

A charming rendition of “People Will Say We’re In Love,” for instance, opens with an intriguing and elegant duet between Hoffman and bassist Dennis Carroll. The suave exchanges percolate with reserved passion. Pianist Ron Perrillo and drummer George Fludas buoy and support both Hoffman’s captivating singing and Carroll’s lyrical and energetic soloing.

The wistful and slow simmering “I’m Travelin’ Light,” features saxophonist Pat Mallinger and Perrillo alternating short, poignant bluesy phrases. Hoffman’s yearning, dulcet vocals articulate the words and the notes with a playful melancholy.  The tune closes with Mallinger embellishing the melody with long, languid lines.

Elsewhere, Mallinger deftly echoes Hoffman on the romantic ballad “You Don’t Know Me.”  He also expands on the song’s main theme with an eloquent spontaneous saxophone monologue.

Meanwhile, the effervescent and fiery “Hello Young Lovers” showcases Perrillo’s agile and muscular arpeggio filled improvisation while Hoffman makes the verses sashay over the up-tempo flourishes of the rhythm section.

Although it lacks surprises and is short on inventiveness, Driftin’ At The Lake is a pleasant and highly enjoyable album.  It satisfies without being intellectually stimulating or provocative, while having the warm and mellow feel of a familiar, much loved storybook and is similarly comforting.


"One of the best singers in the business. She's the real thing, a singer with not only a fine voice, but an authentic feel for jazz. You can understand her every word, and her simple sound is just lovely."
Steve Allen, Jazz composer, musician, & author

"A unique vocal talent... understands the lyrics from the perspective of a seasoned traveler."
Dennis Polkow, Chicago Tribune

"What a voice... a rich ruby instrument, dark and full at times gleaming; like Dexter Gordon's tenor or Jim Hall's guitar, it would attract attention even if she had no idea what to do with it."
Neil Tesser, Chicago Reader Critic's Choice

"Her crystal-clear medium range voice and precise phrasing compliment well her perfect pitch and near-flawless diction."
Jack Bowers, Columnist & Reviewer, Jazz News, Idyllwild, California

1. Driftin' at the Lake 3:37
2. You Don't Know Me 6:29
3. Who Will the Next Fool Be 4:45
4. Only Trust Your Heart 4:22
5. If I Should Lose You 4:54
6. Hello Young Lovers 3:46
7. Something to Live For 5:46
8. I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues 4:43
9. People Will Say We're in Love 2:47
10. I'm Travelin' Light 6:34
11. If You Never Come to Me 5:20
12. I'll Never Be the Same 3:13

Hinda Hoffman - Vocals
Ron Perrillo - Piano
Dennis Carroll - Bass
George Fludas - Drums
Patrick Mallinger - Saxophone

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE: Classical, dance, theatre, circus and variety!


CLASSICAL

Alain Lefèvre 
Récital-bénéfice pour les enfants-réfugiés haïtiens

February 25 • Gesù

L’écho des batailles

February 23 • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - Bourgie Hall

Bach Cantatas
With Ensemble Stradivaria

February 24 and 25Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - Bourgie Hall

The Passion of Joan of Arc
With The Orlando Consort

February 27 • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - Bourgie Hall

Baroque Matinee

March 1 • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - Bourgie Hall

Impressionist Harp

March 2 • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - Bourgie Hall 

Cappella Antica & Schulich Singers
Spem in alium

Februay 23 • Christ Church Cathedral

Schulich in concert
Musicians from soundscape

February 22 •  McGill University - Pollack Hall

Johannes Moser
Musical Chairs Festival

February 27 • McGill University - Pollack Hall

Rafael Rosenfeld
Musical Chairs Festival

March 2 • McGill University - Pollack Hall

Daniel Taylor 
Le chemin du paradis

February 25 • Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours

DANCE

Martha Graham Dance Company

February 22 to 24 • Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts

THEATRE

L’homme éléphant 

February 22 and 23, March 1 and 2 • Théâtre du Rideau Vert

Le Chemin des Passes-Dangereuses

February 23 to March 3 • Théâtre Jean-Duceppe, Place des Arts

Hurlevents

February 22 to 24 • Théâtre Denise-Pelletier

L'Orangeraie

February 28 to March 2 • Théâtre Denise-Pelletier

Minuit

February 22 to 24 • Théâtre Denise-Pelletier

Amok

February 22 to 25 • Cinquième Salle, Place des Arts

Marjorie Prime

February 25 to 28 and March 3 • Segal Centre for Performing Arts

Les robots font-ils l’amour ?

February 27 to March 3 • Usine C

Ligue d’improvisation montréalaise 

February 25 • Lion d'Or

CIRCUS / VARIETY

Coups de cœur

February 23 to 25 and March 1 to 3 • TOHU


Freakeasy Circus

February 23 • Lion d'Or

Chansons drôles et drôleries chancelantes
With Julien Corriveau and Jean-François Provençal (Les Appendices)

February 22 • Lion d'Or

Arnaud Soly

March 3 • Lion d'Or