Glenn Astarita
October 2001

New & Noteworthy
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By Glenn Astarita

British saxophonist Elton Dean’s storied musical past, consisting of his work with the legendary jazz/prog-rock outfit, “Soft Machine” and a distinguished tenure with his homeland’s free jazz and Canterbury scenes, 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. With the twenty-four minute opener “Bar Torque,” Dean instills a sense of quietly energetic motion via circular phrasing amid Hewins’ counterbalancing, digitally produced guitar lines. Furthermore, the duo’s pursuance of micro-themes and subplots seamlessly transform into renewed notions that tend to capture the mind’s eye. Whereas, burgeoning undercurrents, wistful melodies, contrasting tonalities and Hewins’ shrewdly designed harmonics prevail on “Sylvan.” Throughout, the duo presents the listener with a hodgepodge of sonorous explorations and probing exchanges.

The piece titled “Merilyn’s Cave,” features Hewins’ mimicking the sounds of nature and abstract computer generated type effects in conjunction with Dean’s investigative approach and controlled firepower. Hence, the musicians’ provide mood-evoking panoramas, boasting finely sculpted tonalities awash with emphatic statements, implied meter, and wondrous musings. Highly recommended.

Moonjune Records

Track listing: 1) Bar Torque 2) Sylvan 3) Merilyn’s Cave

Personnel: Elton Dean: saxello, alto sax & Mark Hewins: samplers, Casio PG 280 synth guitar, Y Tatay Thomas acoustic guitar