Amos Hoffman releases Evolutin worldwide June 23rd

Guitar and oud player Amos Hoffman =, who has been performing and recording as a member of Avishai Cohen’s band for more than two decades, will release Evolution, his debut CD on Cohen’s Razdaz Recordz, on June 23.

Since relocating to his native Israel in 1999 after years on the New York jazz scene, Hoffman has spent the time since the release of his last CD (2006’s Na’ama, on the Israeli label Magda) further pursuing his passion for combining jazz with Middle Eastern music. The result of this multi-cultural fusion is  Evolution, a ten-track exploration of melodies and rhythms that incorporates compositional and improvisational elements common to both musical genres. “I tried to achieve a unique sound that combined some African rhythmic influence played by percussion and contrabass, with Middle Eastern melodies played by the oud and flute,” explains Hoffman.

His long-time friend and musical associate Avishai Cohen, who performs on contrabass and piano and contributes vocals, joins Hoffman on Evolution. “Amos to me is a great example of a free spirit, with a strong artistic direction,” says Cohen. “I’m a fan.” Rounding out the CD’s line up are two of Israel’s most prominent musicians - ethnic percussionist Ilan Katchka and flautist Ilan Salem.

Buy the  Evolution CD or MP3.