Discover Denver’s Sonic Garden of Instrumental Delights

Within the local Denver scene, music of many genres is flourishing in exciting ways. Walking in Cheeseman Park this past month, you may have stumbled upon a cozy jazz performance under one of the largest trees. Matthew Abraham-lifelong saxophone player and now an avid producer- alongside Jacob Hoeffner– bass player and jazz enthusiast- made Cheesman Park their own with ambient jams, free to any passerby. Parkgoers lounged in the grass letting what they didn’t know to be an original set, wash over them with the sunset.

“We wanted to be really gentle about [the park performance]. Not just come in and dump something on everyone,” said Abraham.

Photo by Rod Baldwin.

This marks a rather unique aspect, as neither musician feels an urgent need to be a part of a band. Hoeffner described a desire to work with or help musicians “naturally” while avoiding a more specific band label. The result is something similar to a “jazz model” where musicians play independently but create together often. This is also emphasized by the pair’s appreciation for the live performance and/or improvising.

“Marrying the music with the place is such an important thing,” said Hoeffner.

Despite the lack of a group title, Abraham and Hoeffner have released two singles from their upcoming project Gardens, coming out on October 30. With an emphasis on natural movement, the pair tried to avoid spending too much time on a particular aspect of the project and opted for the most fluid takes through many different versions of songs.

“We want you to feel like you were there,” Abraham explained, “Record the room,” emphasized Hoeffner. With a sequel project already in mind that will likely bring in local musician Cam Stull on drums, fans and local musicians have much to look forward to.

The project was recorded and mastered through cassette tapes, with snippets from documentaries and live sounds spliced in. This unique emphasis on method can be heard in the individuality the pair has in their recordings. An attentive ear could quickly separate their sound from music made entirely online through software. Abraham described the process of this project as “flexible, meditative, and efficient” which as many musicians may know, is not an easy feat. The ambiance of the project was clearly bolstered by improvisation and chemistry between Abraham and Hoeffner.

Intertwined with Abraham and Hoeffner’s creative lifestyle is something they casually refer to as third space theory. This train of philosophy developed by Homi K. Bhabha, an Indian-British scholar and critical theorist, theorizes about the individuality of humans as well as lifestyle involving home, work and the at times elusive communal third space.

A strong desire to surround themselves with people who are constantly working on their music, or are consistently involved in music, lies at the root of the musician’s Denver community, and drive to move forward. Whether it be at open mic nights at the Mercury Cafe, or any jam session, serving each player as a third space, life seems to be more balanced.

Gardens is about “filling a space in an expressive way or a natural reaction to a space,” Hoeffner pondered while trying to put words to their primarily instrumental work. An appreciation for questioning day-to-day life, the physical, the abstract, etc., is clearly at the core of the group’s creative endeavors.

Hoeffner and Abraham performing live, photo by Carla Ruiz.

Another local gem to discover is Caterpillar Effect Records. This musician collective local label is run by artists who have been creating videos and music together after building community at the Mercury Cafe open mic nights. Abraham and Hoeffner both aspire to work with people who are constantly working on their music or are consistently involved in their art. This attributes toward the very communal energy their work entails, reaching the audience and fellow musicians.

Both musicians seem fascinated by the idea of space and understandably so if you take some time to really think about it. This fascination manifests in the essential live element of their work. Live recordings are preferred, and live gigs are also a priority. Shows in the park, on a First Friday or at the farmers market are always recorded, and are sometimes the source of the alleged best take (if that is possible). The room, park, people, air, and environment is a unique piece of Abraham and Hoeffner’s music. 

Abraham (left) and Hoeffner (right).

With an emphasis on work and life balance, it’s clear that both musicians have put some time into their mental health and habits. “The creative process finds its way in and out,” said Hoeffner. Both musicians see their day job as a way to keep variety in their lives, though picking the right day job is important. Without music to ground him, Hoeffner doesn’t  “really feel at home with my body.” This dual lifestyle can provide some freedom in music, as it does not have to be the main source of money, but is more of a passion project.

Clearly, music is a daily activity and is easily missed when it doesn’t make it into the routine. This can be practicing alone, jamming in groups, or performing at gigs. “It’s more of a need,” explained Abraham, “than a desire to make music.”

The importance of live sound also has an interesting relationship with the musician’s stage or performer presence. Abraham described “Trying to disappear,” particularly in relation to ego while playing for live audiences. Equally excited by the jazz-reminiscent improv or “presence art” as Hoeffner described, their work has become heavily stylized. The idea of a social setting that helps “pull the musical self out” and pushes each player to find comfort with the instrument, leading to many live recordings. Though some may blush at the thought of improv, Abraham assured, “beforehand you think, ‘I don’t know what I’m gonna do,’ but as you play it becomes, ‘I’m riding the wave.’”

Hoeffner (left) Abraham (right).

Luckily for the Denver music scene, both players plan to stay in Denver indefinitely. Denver “lends itself to experimentation,” commented Hoeffner. “People here seem to be searching for things, wandering, building a community of general openness.”

Exponential evolution of the music scene over the past seven years the artists have been around remains inspiring. A migration of musicians and sound from LA has excited the pair, particularly in the realm of experimental sound and production.

Similar technology used by those in LA has helped the group evolve, providing ways to make unique sound. Abraham is giddy exploring different recording methods for traditional instruments with pedals and loops that build complexity with some ease. Manipulation of technology also plays a part in the reality of making your instrument unique to you. Abraham’s current recording system involves putting his mike inside of his saxophone and incorporating all sounds through the mix. Button clicks, inhales, and dampening of the reed can all become part of the atmosphere.

Be on the lookout for atmospheric sound around town as well as Abraham and Hoeffner’s upcoming project Gardens on Spotify October 30, 2023.