Elements: Water

With this CD, kicked off a cycle of four albums inspired by the so-called elements -- Water, Earth, Fire and Air -- attempting to cover a wide range of the moods and emotions that Water suggests. Indeed, succeeds in coaxing a wide variety of styles out of the H2O motif, from the perhaps unintended new age-like quality of to the -like linear workout of -- and the opening theme returns at the close to give the album a cyclical spin. Though the material is somewhat uneven in inspiration at times, it does show off the soprano sax in often optimum form, and he also plays resonantly-recorded tenor and a pitch-bending Indian wood flute. obtains expert help from who is eminently equipped to handle the manner on guitar synthesizer as well as playing straight bop licks on electric guitar on also brings back his great flexible rhythm section from the album -- bassist and drummer -- who know how to mix it up. The last track is an interview with Liebman by Arkadia label chief Bob Karcy that functions as little more than an electronic press kit. ~ Richard S. Ginell