The Jazz Club is excited to present internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Florian Hoefner.
Born and raised in Germany, trained in New York City and now based in Canada, 2023 Juno Award winning jazz pianist and composer, Florian Hoefner, draws from a myriad of influences that cumulate in his unique brand of modern jazz. Praised as a “composer-bandleader of insightful resolve” by the New York Times and a “harmonically daring pianist […] reaching toward new sonic territory” by Downbeat Magazine, Florian Hoefner has made his mark as an inventive creator and performer of exciting contemporary Jazz.
With his quartet, the Florian Hoefner Group, he has released 3 albums on Origin Records that have received rave reviews around the globe. “Luminosity,” their latest release that features tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, has been described as a “starkly picturesque album ... that makes profound statements from quiet moments” by Downbeat and as a “total experience” by the New York Jazz Record. It has been nominated as Jazz Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards 2017. The Group also received the Stingray Rising Star Award after their performance at the Montréal Jazz Festival 2015. Its busy touring scheduled has taken the group to North America, Europe and Australia so far, including a celebrated performance at the Melbourne Jazz Festival 2019.
As a member of the Germany-based collective, Subtone, he has released four critically acclaimed albums on labels including ENJA Records and performed on four continents including festivals such as Jazz Baltica (Germany), ACACIA Jazz Festival (Ethiopia), Jazz in Situ (Ecuador) and Tremplin Jazz d’Avignon (France) where the group was awarded the jury and audience awards. Florian’s work as a sideman has led to numerous additional CD releases including a collaboration with guitarist, Kurt Rosenwinkel on Fresh Sounds Records.
Since 2018, Hoefner has been working with his new Canadian trio, which includes Andrew Downing on bass and Nick Fraser on drums. Their debut album “First Spring”, released in September 2019, was nominated for a 2021 Juno and won “Instrumental Recording of the Year” and “Jazz Recording of the Year” at the 2020 East Coast Music Awards in Atlantic Canada. A follow-up album, “Desert Bloom”, achieved even greater success, winning the 2023 Juno Award for “Best Jazz Album by a Group”. Hoefner says, "I really took some artistic risks. I tried to combine jazz with compositional techniques that aren't used as much."
Florian acknowledges support of the Canada Council for the Arts. For additional information, images and performance videos, please visit his website.
ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30 pm
