Label: Out of Your Head Records, 2024
Personnel - Christopher Hoffmann: cello, electric cello, drum programming; Frank LoCrasto: keyboards; Bill Campbell: drums;
Cellist Christopher Hoffman, demonstrating his exploratory character and broad musical vision, steps boldly into the spotlight with an intriguing recording that leans heavily on synths and drums, exuding a fiercely progressive vibe. His latest endeavor, Vision is the Identity, comprises a collection of mesmeric frameworks characterized by a curious blend of fluidity, acidity, and obscurity, providing a canvas upon which musicians navigate smoothly or inject sinister undertones within a modern fusion context. Accompanied by keyboardist Frank LoCrasto and drummer Bill Campbell on all tracks, Hoffman also welcomes special guests on select pieces.
The album opens with the electro-rock experimentalism of “Cloudbuster”, designed with a hooky motorik-inspired beat, adhesive synth patches, and incisive cello slashes, evocative of groups like Can and Faust. Similarly concise, “What Comes” serves the warped lines of saxophonist Henry Threadgill, who sinuously sweeps across a lushly dramatic 3/4 progression pollinated by the distorted clouds of guest guitarist Ryan Scott.
“Think From” unfolds with installing gravitas and an icy hip-hop backbeat overlaid by occasional rasping cello legato and creating a textural cosmic goo. “It is Done” is shrewdly executed with vocal mellotron and blaring counterpoint before transitioning into a dance-friendly groove punctuated by cello pizzicato.
Apparently, there are no main theme statements and the pieces can end abruptly. “Better & Better” is laid down with shimmering racket, featuring the tongue-in-cheek flute expressionism of Anna Webber over abrasive alternative rock and industrial electronic elements. The mood shifts on the speculative final track, “Farewell Forever”, where synth, EWI, and cello solos by LoCrasto, guest Alfredo Cólon, and Hoffman, respectively, crash into the tapestry of jazztronica-inspired synths loaded with futuristic undertones and sweaty rhythms.
While Vision is the Identity may not cater to every jazz aficionado, it undoubtedly marks an entrancing modernistic phase for Hoffman. His imaginative range of sonics establishes him as an unpredictable artist.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Cloudbuster ► 02 - What Comes ► 05 - Better & Better