The quartet includes Mike Wofford on piano, Holly Hofmann on flute, Marshall Hawkins on bass, and Duncan Moore on drums. Pianist Mike Wofford, a native of Texas, has lived and performed in the San Diego area for most of his life. He began playing the piano at the age of 7, and was influenced by his mom who was a professional singer. At age 19 Mike entered into the LA jazz scene in the early 1960’s. He first broke in with the Lighthouse All-Stars, and continued to play with many of the west coast jazz players including Teddy Edwards, Art Pepper, Red Norvo, Chet Baker, Bud Shank, Zoot Sims, Shorty Rogers, Maynard Ferguson, June Christy, Mel Torme, Gary Burton, and Joe Pass. Mike oversaw the music for the Bill Cosby Show with Quincy Jones, and worked with Oliver Nelson at Universal Pictures. Mike was an arranger for Capitol Records for Sergio Mendez, Mike Barone, Roger McGuinn of “The Byrds”, John Lennon, The Jackson 5, Tom Scott, Joan Baez, and Harry Nillson. Mike was in Shelly Manne’s jazz group for 16 years, and worked with Lee Konitz, Harry “Sweets” Edison, and Benny Carter. Mike was musical director for Sarah Vaughn, and Ella Fitzgerald, and was the house pianist at San Diego’s “Elarios” and the “Horton Grand Hotel”. Mike has worked with dozens of other jazz greats, has led his own trio, quartet, and has arranged the music of Jobim, and Ellington and Strayhorn for string orchestras. Mike’s piano influences are many which include T. Monk, H. Silver, S. Clark, H. Nichols, D. Ellington, J. Rowles, R. Twardzik, G. Gould, B. Evans, C. Taylor, P. Bley, and A. Tatum. Mike is a musicians’ pianist who inspires as he plays, and as he absorbs what he hears develops his own sound. This is the very definition of a jazz musician. Mike has played on over 200 recordings as a sideman, made 17 recordings as a leader, won San Diego’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and is the director of the Annual Oregon Coast Jazz Party in October.
Flutist Holly Hofmann began playing at the age of 5, and was influenced by her father who was a jazz guitarist. Holly learned standards from the Great American Songbook, and after studying classical music for many years began to work with renowned jazz musicians like Ray Brown, Frank Wess, Cedar Walton, and Kenny Barron. Holly studied with Cleveland orchestra flutist Maurice Sharp, received her Bachelors’ Degree from Cleveland Institute of Music, and her Masters’ Degree from University of Northern Colorado. Holly has played in the San Diego area since the late 1980’s and booked a National Jazz Series at the Horton Grand Hotel with artists like Diana Krall, Tommy Flanagan, Joe Henderson, and Benny Carter. In the 1990’s Holly recorded and played with Bill Cunliffe, Ray Brown, and Victor Lewis. In 2001 Holly married Mike Wofford, and has played in different musical formats with artists like Peter Washington, Ali Ryerson, Ben Riley, and Terell Stafford. Holly was a member of the Flutology All-Star Sextet, and has recently recorded with John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, and Anthony Wilson. Holly’s playing has been described as having note perfect accuracy, and in the moment fluidity. Holly gives Master classes at schools and universities, and provides clinics in middle schools and high schools in the U.S.. Holly is on the board of directors at the Keynote Jazz Foundation, has made 12 recordings as a leader, and along with Hubert Laws is considered one of the premiere jazz flute players today. Holly is the standard by which the jazz flute is judged.
Bassist Marshall Hawkins is a multi-instrumentalist who also plays piano, organ, and drums. Marshall won honors for playing the upright piano at the age of 12, and growing up in Washington D.C. began advancing in music very rapidly. Marshall played with Miles Davis’ Second Great Quartet that included Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Tony Williams. Since 1985 Marshall has taught at the Idyllwild School of Music and Arts Academy. Since its inception Marshall has been the jazz department head and director of the Three Day Jazz in the Pines festival held in August. Marshall has played with the Harry Pickens Trio, and has recorded 4 CDs as a leader. Marshall has played with Shirley Horn, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, the Manhattan Transfer, Eddie Jefferson, Richie Cole, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, and Pharoah Sanders. Marshall has played on 40 recordings in his career, and is renowned by his music students. Teaching kids jazz is Marshall’s passion. Marshall has brought jazz to elementary school students, and established a non-profit organization that educates young people in jazz. Marshall established the Seahawk Modern Jazz Orchestra that helps nurture young musicians to learn and perform jazz music.
Drummer Duncan Moore is a percussionist who plays a wide range of music that includes jazz, Latin, rock, and R&B. Duncan has worked as a studio musician and recorded jingles, soundtracks, and various projects. Duncan began playing the drums at the age of 8 in Iowa, and majored in music at the University of Iowa under Tom Davis. He eventually moved to San Diego, and has performed and recorded with nearly 100 national and local artists. Duncan is an instructor at Mira Costa College, and UC San Diego, teaches at jazz camps, and gives clinics. Duncan has appeared on 120 recordings.
Saturday April 8th at 7pm the Mike Wofford/Holly Hofmann Quartet plays Pete Carlson’s. Four world-class musicians performing jazz music at the highest level with great energy, and skill that is pleasing to the ear. Don’t miss it!!!
