" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Hofbauer obviously isn't afraid of challenges. But then again, no musician/artist should be if they wish to leave a mark. The compositional intent at first come across rather lofty: a five part, multi-ensemble project interpreting wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, namely the five pillars of Chinese philosophy understood as the "Five Agents," with each element its own book or, in this case, album, containing five chapters or compositions, someone's got to take the task on.

So 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,