By Allen Huotari

British saxophonist Elton Dean has been making music for nearly 40 years. Although coming to prominence (and “living legend” status) in the early ‘70’s as a member of the indescribably wonderful band Soft Machine, he has also amassed a remarkable number of essential listening jazz recordings over the past Œ century (such as the lamentably long out of print “Boundaries” on ECM/JAPO) collaborating with musicians such as pianists Keith Tippett and Sophia Domancich, guitarists Phil Miller and John Etheridge, trombonists Roswell Rudd, Paul Rutherford, and Annie Whitehead, bassists Hugh Hopper and Fred Baker, and drummers Pip Pyle and Joe Gallivan to name more than a few.

Elton Dean’s latest release is BAR TORQUE, a live recording in duet with guitarist Mark Hewins (performing on samplers, synth guitar, and acoustic guitar) and recently output on the newly established Moonjune Records.

Of BAR TORQUE, AAJ Modern Jazz Editor Glenn Astarita writes:

“Elton Dean’s storied musical past surges onward with this most interesting recording. Here, the saxophonist and synth guitarist/EFX ace, Mark Hewins venture into lyrically charged, extended improvisations that often bespeak an air of mystery, brimming with suspense and enchantment…the duo’s pursuance of micro-themes and subplots seamlessly transform into renewed notions that tend to capture the mind’s eye…Throughout, the duo presents the listener with a hodgepodge of sonorous explorations and probing exchanges…the musicians’ provide mood-evoking panoramas, boasting finely sculpted tonalities awash with emphatic statements, implied meter, and wondrous musings. Highly recommended.” – AAJ OCTOBER 2001 EDITOR’S PICK

To help commemorate the release of BAR TORQUE, Elton Dean agreed to a micro-interview in order to “snapshot” the status of his current projects. All About Jazz hopes to conduct an in-depth interview with Mr. Dean in the near future.

This interview was conducted via e-mail in September 2001.

Special thanks to Leonardo Pavkovic of Moonjune Records for helping to facilitate this interview.

ALL ABOUT JAZZ: What do you find to be most challenging/rewarding about your collaborative relationship with Mark Hewins?

ELTON DEAN: Mark and I go back a quarter of a century...not always in the same direction...but he's never sat in one place and he is constantly creative. Right now (like yesterday) we've discovered something so revalationary (please note "a" not "u") to do with resonance effect that I'm very excited.

AAJ: You've mentioned that Mark Hewins brings out the more lyrical side of your playing. What do you think you bring out in Mark Hewins?

ED: Mark is happy to provide shifting textures, which has always been his creative forte.

AAJ: Could you please elaborate upon your "Freebeat" project with drummer Tony Bianco?

ED: "Freebeat" is another fresh concept of pulse that I'm working on with Tony Bianco (New York drummer living in London). We've just completed a CD, which I hope Moonjune Records picks up.

AAJ: Are there any solid plans for any further Newsense recordings?

ED: It needs a lot of time and money to organise a tour/recording for a band the size of Newsense...both of which are in short supply.

AAJ: 1999 saw a one-off gig of SoftWare consisting of yourself plus, Hugh Hopper, John Marshall and Keith Tippett. It is rumoured that there may be a project upcoming with Allan Holdsworth replacing Keith Tippett. What is the probability of either of these projects coming to fruition in 2001-02?

ED: Software was indeed an enjoyable one off project, and there have been various conversations and ideas and very encouraging interest in continuing along similar lines...something IS bubbling under at the moment, but no-one knows…exactly what and who will emerge...I guess you can watch this space...

AAJ: It is reported that you've been working on a 3 CD anthology of unreleased recordings for release in 2001 or 2002. Can you please comment on the status of this project?

ED: The proposed Anthology could happen next year...Leonardo (from Moonjune) and I have to put our heads together...I have unreleased recordings of performances over the years of duets, quartets, quintets, Ninesense…all kinds.

AAJ: With regard to reissues, is there any forward movement for the release of "El Skid" ? How about "They All Be On This Old Road" and "Boundaries"?

ED: “El Skid” is due out any day on a Voiceprint label...”Boundaries” I would like to be re-released...I asked ECM about but received no response...perhaps serious enquiries from outside sources might be more effective.

AAJ: Have you had any recent or will you have any upcoming stints as a sideman that we should be watching for?

ED: Dedication Orchestra

AAJ: Is there anything else we can expect from you for 2001-2002?

ED: Apart from any lineage projects that emerge my "NOW" mind is amalgamating Freebeat with the new sub-harmonic resonance effect on tonality that Mark Hewins and I are working with. It's going to be extraordinary...I've never ever been this optimistic about a musical unfolding...

Also UK and Japan tours with Phil Miller/In Cahoots

Dates:
25th Sep Newcastle
26th Manchester
27th Nottingham
30th Colchester
3rd Oct Leeds
4th Birmingham
6th Old Harlow
8th Vortex, London
1st Dec Spitz, London
6-10th Tokyo, Japan