Holly Hofmann: Flutopia

The flute and B-3 organ aren’t your usual teammates, but they pair up well with the combo of Holly Hofmann and Bill Cunliffe, respectively. These regular collaborators (with Cunliffe customarily on piano), are joined by guitarist Frank Potenza and drummer Duncan Moore on an album of standard and original compositions. Swinging is at the heart of Hofmann’s style and she does so with a kind of cocky attitude that nicely roughs up the edges of the tunes as heard on Cunliffe’s “Nilesology.” Cunliffe approaches the organ with more of a pianist’s sensibilities, blending well with Potenza’s tasty guitar on Horace Silver’s “Out of the Night.” With all this compatibility going on, however, the drumming just doesn’t seem to fit in either stylistically or in the recording mix. The album’s sole ballad is “My One and Only Love,” which again has Hofmann wisely offering a little bitter with the sweet, an aspect which continues to play an important part in her world of Flutopia.

Originally Published November 1, 1999