JAZZ REVIEW : Hofmann Adds Classical Touch to Catalina Show

Just back from a major Eastern tour, the San Diego-based flutist Holly Hofmann made a rare local appearance Wednesday at Catalina Bar & Grill.

Combining jazz values with her classical training, Hofmann fired off volleys of inspired ideas with a well-controlled vibrato and an innate rhythmic sensitivity.

Her unconventional repertoire included such works as Duke Ellington’s “Mount Harissa,” from his “Far East Suite”; Victor Young’s 60-year-old “Street of Dreams” updated as a samba, and Bobby Shew’s “Red Snapper.” She brought an exquisite beauty to Willard Robison’s ballad “Old Folks.”

Her rhythm section was consistently effective, both collectively and in solos. Pianist Key Akagi, who recently entered a long stint with Miles Davis, seemed to be celebrating the joy of returning to pure jazz, his solos radiating rhythmic ebullience.

Harvey Newmark, a greatly underrated bassist, was featured in several remarkably virtuosic forays. Jimmie Smith, who nowadays spends half his time running a nightclub in Tokyo, displayed his perennial good taste on drums.

Hofmann’s brief visit offered a reminder that she is on her way to becoming one of the major forces in jazz flute.