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Elton Dean: Moorsong
ByWith “John’s Fragment”, Dean performing on alto sax, blows razor sharp choruses atop Hammond organist Alex Maguire’s underlying ostinato, endearing chord progressions and the rhythm section’s solid backbeats, as this piece also boasts a memorably melodic hook. Here, Dean flirts with Medeski, Martin & Wood type organ based motifs, as this track could conceivably enjoy some widespread radio airplay. The musicians continue their pursuit of funk/rock rhythms and loose vibes on “Willy The Knee”, which is accelerated by all-world bassist Fred Baker’s pumping lines in conjunction with the alto saxophonist’s rapid fire and at times, scathing attack.
Guitarist Mark Hewins establishes his presence on “Reel Welders” as the band alters the flow with equal parts mainstream and free-jazz type extended soloing, satiny themes and Baker’s tasty fuzz-bass solo which is seemingly a nod to Dean’s famous Soft Machine band mate and frequent collaborator, bassist Hugh Hopper. However, “Soldering On” features Mark Sanders’ swirling percussion and Lian Genockey’s alternating rock pulse which serves as the foundation for an ethereal soundscape, brimming with faint injections of EFX and Dean’s lucid soloing.
Basically, Moorsong presents the listener with an upbeat, multihued glimpse of Dean’s rather expansive jazz vernacular, as the music and overall scope of this project might be viewed upon as being a bit more accessible for those unwilling to delve into the saxophonist’s extensive modern jazz discography. Throughout, Elton Dean seamlessly integrates the finer elements of improvisational dialogue and hard driving rhythms with jazzy interplay, all engraved with the mark of a master craftsman who reaps huge rewards from the fiery interplay of a revved up ensemble. Recommended!
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Track Listing
John's Fragment; Willy the Knee; Baker's Treat; Bedrock Ruse; Full Fathom Five; Reel Welders; Soldering On; Moorsong.
Personnel
Elton Dean
saxophoneElton Dean: saxophones; Fred T. Baker: bass; Liam Genockey: drums; Mark Hewins: guitar; Alex Maguire: Hammond organ; Mark Sanders: percussion.
Album information
Title: Moorsong | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Cuneiform Records