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Eric Hofbauer: Book Of Water
BySo we have Book of Water and Hofbauer begins his journey into the interconnectedness of it all on a high note. Recorded live before a studio audience, Hofbauer brings his intuitive improvisatory flair to five lengthy tracks, trickling, rushing, presenting a narrative that questions, searches, and alights on the time honed belief that together we persevere.
But how he and his formidable sextet get there is the thrilling sound of Book of Water. His name may come first on the marquee and promotional materials, but his cohorts -Seth Meicht, tenor sax, Jeb Bishop, trombone, Jerry Sabatini, trumpet, Nate McBride, bass and Curt Newton, drums, surf the waves and hold the tide with unflinching intensity.
Sabatini's quiet entrance and his command of muted tone, melody and composition is the showcase of "It Wets, It Chills." Straight out of the Gil Evans' handbook, the band rises mist-like around him, until McBride's bowing darkens like melting glacial ice. "It's Not Disconcerted" tumbles and tides freely, washing away whatever preconceived landscapes of free jazz remain. "Well Used, Adorning Joy" rambles in rivulets of Hofbauer's chordal dynamics, some echoing Tin Pan Alley, others Jerry Garcia, still others Freddie King, until the rhythm section flows over with an impressive and irrepressible groove. "Ill Used, Will Elegantly Destroy" is a strong closing statement on the potential floods that will to re-arrange life as we now live it. With rambling grace, guitar, trombone and bass capture our attention while the band swells into a rampant flood, taking us with them wherever that leads.
Track Listing
Water Understands Civilization Well; It Wets, It Chills; It Is Not Disconcerted; Well Used, Adorning Joy; Ill Used, Will Elegantly Destroy.
Personnel
Eric Hofbauer
guitarEric Hofbauer: guitar; Jerry Sabatini: trumpet; Seth Meicht: tenor sax; Jeb Bishop: trombone; Nate McBride: bass; Curt Newton: drums.
Album information
Title: Book Of Water | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Creative Nation Music