Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Elton Dean: Moorsong

263

Elton Dean: Moorsong

By

Sign in to view read count
Elton Dean: Moorsong
British modern/free jazz saxophonist Elton Dean signals in the New Year with a pleasant surprise on this new release titled, Moorsong. The artist is revered for his work with the legendary band,“Soft Machine”, numerous recordings with prominent participants of the British improvising scene, solo ventures and an early stint with blues vocalist Long John Baldry along with a young and then unknown pianist Reginald Dwight (Elton John). – In case you’re wondering, Dwight renamed himself after (Elton) Dean and Long (John) Baldry. Nonetheless, Dean opts for a shift in strategy on this affable and thoroughly grooving affair.

With “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!

* * * * (Out of * * * * *)

Cuneiform Records

Track Listing

John's Fragment; Willy the Knee; Baker's Treat; Bedrock Ruse; Full Fathom Five; Reel Welders; Soldering On; Moorsong.

Personnel

Elton Dean
saxophone

Elton 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

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.