H2O is a mostly instrumental album that showcases Hawkins’ incredible talents as a composer and steel pan player. His extensive background as a jazz drummer is reflected in the interactive nature of the music. Hawkins’ arrangements seamlessly merge his passion for improvisation with a genuine respect for traditional Caribbean, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban grooves. What Phil has done in H2O is brought his own sweetness and originality to the pan jazz genre. Phil is prolific, and his music is exquisite. Here’s what the music critics are saying about Phil and H2O:

“[Phil Hawkins’] music is incredible; it's imaginative, deep, fun, well arranged, and a fascinating blend of musical cultures. And . . . his band burns!”

Greg Murai - Faculty, The Jazz School, Berkeley, CA

"A cool mixture of caribbean, jazz and latin music in which Hawkins' steelpans star." 
Rhonda Holman - The Eagle

"Hawkins' soloing is fabulous and worthy of note." 
Lisa Rogers - Percussive Notes Magazine