The Dreamer

Israeli jazz guitarist Amos Hoffman turns in strong performances on this all-original session, joined by trumpeter Duane Eubanks, bassist Avishai Cohen, and drummer Jorge Rossy. Hoffman displays wit and wisdom throughout a broad range of musical moods, including the opening boogaloo of "Doobie Time," the touching waltz melody of "Three," the biting mid-tempo swing of "The Flip" and "Memories," and the ballad "Bookie & Ofi." Hoffman's tone is of the dry, vintage archtop variety, and he shows it off especially well on the two-minute solo piece, "Francine," which has the flavor of a Monk composition. Eubanks lays out on several occasions, including the haunting and beautiful title track, Hoffman's finest piece of writing for the date.