Holly Hofmann began playing flute at the age of 5. She studied and performed with classical ensembles, and became one of the most authoritative and swinging flutist in jazz. Holly has established the flute as a front line instrument playing blusey, be-bop based improvisations with technical prowess. She completed her studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy, and studied with the Cleveland Orchestra’s principle flutist Maurice Sharp. Holly earned degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the University of Northern Colorado. Holly became a resident of San Diego, and became a jazz host booking artists four nights a week on a national jazz program at Horton Grand Hotel in San Diego. During a seven year period Holly presented top jazz artists such as Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson, Tommy Flanagan, Cedar Walton, and Joe Henderson. Holly performed with jazz greats Ray Brown, Frank Wess, Cedar Walton, and Kenny Barron. She recorded her first CD with Mike Wofford, Bob Magnuson, and Sherman Ferguson named “Take Note”. In the mid 90’s Holly recorded with Bill Cunliffe, and played at Birdland, and the Village Vanguard touring with Ray Brown. Holly married Mike Wofford in 2000 and toured with Ray Brown, Victor Lewis, Peter Washington, and Ben Riley. Holly toured with an all-star sextet called “Flutology” with Frank Wess and Aly Ryerson performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Holly has recorded “Turn Signal” with Mike Wofford and Terrel Stafford, and recorded the alto flute project named “Lowlife” with Mike Wofford, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, and Anthony Wilson. Holly performs with perfect accuracy and in the moment fluidity. Holly is a producer of jazz concerts, clinics, jazz parties, festivals, and various jazz series. Holly teaches master classes at schools and universities and is a board member of the Keynote Jazz Foundation which provides concerts and clinics in middle schools and high schools. Holly has 12 recordings as a leader, and is one of the premier jazz flutists. Alto sax great Phil Woods said, “Along with Hubert Laws, Holly is frankly the best jazz flute player today”. She has become the standard by which jazz flute is judged.
Mike Wofford is an artful jazz pianist who is rewarding for those who listen to him. Mike began playing at the age of 7 and learned harmonic creativity from his teacher Bill Franks, who was an admirer of Teddy Wilson. Mike was self-taught, and influenced by Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk, and Horace Silver. Mike began his professional career in 1961 with Slim Gallard, then joined Howard Rumsey’s Lighthouse All-Stars. In 1962 Mike joined Shorty Rogers and his Giants, and recorded on Mel Torme’s album “Comin Home Baby”. Mike was active in the LA jazz club scene and accompanied vocalist June Christy in 1963, recording with Gary Burton and Larry Bunker. Mike’s first trio album “Strawberry Wine” was recorded in 1964 and then Mike joined Shelly Manne’s quintet performing at the Manne Hole in Hollywood till Shelly Manne’s passing in 1984. Mike has toured Europe, Brazil, and Japan, and is an in-demand freelance studio pianist for TV, and film scoring. Mike has recorded with dozens of pop, folk, R&B, and jazz artists. Mike twice toured as Sarah Vaughn’s conductor and pianist, and as well for Ella Fitzgerald for 5 years. Mike has worked and recorded with numerous top jazz artists, and with his own trio and quartet. Mike also works as a duo with his wife Holly and in quartet, and string orchestra settings. Mike and Holly are currently Capri recording artists. Mike received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 22nd Annual San Diego Music Awards in 2012. Mike has fourteen albums as a leader, and recorded on over 30 albums in total.
Bruce Forman started on the piano and switched to guitar at the age of 13 where he worked with musicians like Eddie Duran, Vince Lateano, Eddie Marshall, George Cables, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, and toured with Richie Cole. Bruce has recorded 19 CDs as a leader, and played as a sideman on countless recordings that include Ray Brown, Bobby Hutcherson, and Roger Kellaway. Bruce has performed on three of Clint Eastwood’s distinguished films that includes “Million Dollar Baby”, “Flags of our Fathers”, and “Here After”. Bruce is a producer, arranger, acclaimed educator, and an in resident teacher at the USC Studio/Jazz Department. Bruce’s music is immersed in American culture and influenced by its traditions. Bruce plays be-bop and western swing, and is constantly expanding the paradigm of what creative music is all about. Bruce’s music reflects his Texas origins, his career in San Francisco and New York, and years on the road that contributes to his unique and highly personal vision he demonstrates today. Bruce has appeared at over 20 Monterey Jazz Festival performances, and has made several recordings on his own record label. Guitarist Barney Kessel says, “Bruce Forman is one of the great lights of our age”.
