Very excited that I've got some cello solos in Show Me a Hero- the new HBO mini series starring Oscar Isaac and written by David Simon, creator of The Wire. People are very worked up about how good this show is and how its the best thing Simon has done since The Wire. I loved that show and love Isaac as well so this is a double header for me!! I'm eager to watch Show Me a Hero- I was only able to watch small clips of footage as we recorded the cello at the studio of great composer Nathan Larson. I've played cello on several of his scores, including The Skeleton Twins, starring Kristin Wiig and Bill Hader. It's always a trip to watch this creative genius at work!
Thrilled about this new review from Music Existence!
Here's an excerpt from the article. Play Human is now available on iTunes…..
"The diversity of tracks on Play Human, plays an interesting role in the overall feel of the album. The first track that really stands out is “Hello Silverbird” which provides an 80’s rock feel with a little bit of edge. The lyrics, although simple and straight to the point, are conveyed on a very personal level with rich emotionality.
Coming at a completely different change of pace, is “Prayer for the World.” The meditative and foreign nature creates a sense of mysticism, which is an unusual characteristic for an American rock song. Hoffeld’s performance comes across as a siren crying for global scale peace, while still being introspective and ornately beautiful, even without words.
Overall, Play Human is a masterfully executed work of art. Each and every note on the album comes from a place of complete passion and is crafted perfectly to deliver Noah’s message."
So thrilled that the great website Baeble Music has premiered my record Play Human and given it a glowing review entitled "Noah Hoffeld reshapes Classical Rock" this week. Baeble says "On his new LP, Noah Hoffeld brings the best of classical music and modern rock to bear to gorgeous effect." Baeble managing editor Don Saas writes,
"We have the premiere of Play Human, and it's a record that defies simple categorization though familiar sonic touchstones are there for those willing to dive into the rich textures of the record. There's a little bit of David Bowie's 'Berlin' Trilogy (particularly Low) in the sweeping, cinematic use of strings as a counterpoint to the wall of sound production (though I use that phrase in an intentionally minimalist sense). There are hints of the avant-garde 70s rock of Electric Light Orchestra in the twisting and churning of Hoffeld's vocal melodies. Hoffeld utilizes modern production flourishes to create a rich sonic soundscape to lose yourself in.
But that guessing game of "where does Noah's unique sound come from" is meaningless if the songs aren't good. Fortunately, they're very good. "Role of Rock" is the most propulsive track on the record and it's also where Noah's background as a classical musician shows itself the most. It is a track with genuine movements and a sense of the building and releasing of tension. Other tracks like album opener "Play Human" turn Hoffeld's strings into futuristic reverbed buzzes of sound without sacrificing tightness of melody and composition."
Read the full review and listen to the album HERE