He gained widespread attention as a guitarist through the response to his 2004 release, American Vanity (Creative Nation Music), which explored what he called “the many faces of hubris in American culture” through the distinctive solo guitar recasting of material ranging from “Old Man River” to Waylon Jennings’ theme song for The Dukes of Hazzard to the Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale” to the ubiquitous 80’s pop hit “Take On Me” among many others.

Critics called it “a cool and unique personal statement” (Gary Lee Joyner, Acoustic Guitar) and “a singular statement against the jazz guitar status quo” (Mark F. Turner, AllAboutJazz.com), noting its “consistent musical brilliance” (Ron Wynn, Nashville City Paper) and “sound of a player discovering the depth of his musical voice as well as the possibilities of the stringed instrument he employs for artistic expression” (Lexington Herald-Ledger).

“This Eric Hofbauer fellow may be the heir to the avant-Americana throne recently vacated by the late John Fahey,” added JazzReview.com’s Mark Keresman. “He captures the American experience with the right balance of tempered outrage and respectful tenderness.”

Hofbauer is also a co-leader of the critically acclaimed intergenerational ensemble The Blueprint Project, as well as working duos with vocalist Rebecca Shrimpton and fellow guitarist Garrison Fewell. His newest ensemble, Eric Hofbauer & The Infrared Band, released its debut CD, Myth Understanding,in June 2008.

Check out these recent features on Eric and his 2008 releases in the Boston Herald and Boston Phoenix.