Jazz Articles about Elton Dean

Elton Dean's Ninesense: Live at the BBC

by John Kelman
November 8, 2004

Saxophonist Elton Dean is probably best known for his stint in the classic Soft Machine line-up of '69- '72, but had already established himself as a significant free player with pianist Keith Tippett on records including You Are Here...I Am There and Dedicated to You But You Weren't Listening , as well as with his own group, Just Us.

After leaving Soft Machine, dissatisfied with the more fusion-oriented direction it was taking, he formed a number of groups that were ...

Elton Dean and Mark Hewins: Bar Torque

by Todd S. Jenkins
October 1, 2001

This debut release on the Moonjune label is rich, commanding and almost uncategorizable, an auspicious beginning for a new imprint. Elton Dean is well-known as a member of Soft Machine and many British jazz and fusion projects; Mark Hewins is less familiar but has logged time with Hugh Hopper, Steve Miller and John Stevens. The two met a couple of decades ago in Stevens’ Dance Orchestra and have worked together in Soft Heap since that time. The remarkable duo performance ...

Elton Dean: Moorsong

by AAJ Staff
April 1, 2001

English saxophonist Elton Dean retains the dubious distinction of having put the “Elton" into Elton John. (Yes, it's true. The zillionaire pianist formerly known as Reginald Dwight took his first name from Dean, with whom he performed decades ago.) Dean, who has extensively collaborated with pianist Keith Tippett, appears comfortable in a variety of styles. From blues to swinging jazz, from fusion to free improvisation, Dean does it all on Moorsong.

The first five tunes on Moorsong have a smooth, ...

Elton Dean: Moorsong

by Glenn Astarita
January 1, 2001

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 ...

Dean/Dunmall/Levin/Rogers/Rudd/Tippett: Bladik

by Glenn Astarita
February 1, 1999

“Bladik” was released in 1996 and basically represents the British free-jazz band “Mujician” with the editions of famed British saxophonist Elton Dean and veteran jazz trombonist Roswell Rudd. The first track “Forearmed” sets the pace with delicate percussion instruments suggesting a “calm before the storm” situation. Bassist Rogers commences in circular fashion with some crafty arco bass passages. The dialogue opens up a notch with some stellar interplay as the band converges while offering a wealth of surprises and tempo ...