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Mark Elf: Dream Steppin
ByElf is in the somewhat envious position of run-ning his own label and having the opportunity to record often and without constraints. Dream Steppin’, his ninth release since 1993, is recorded with two of Elf's associates from previous recordings, Neal Miner on bass, and Lewis Nash on drums. With the recording clocking in at just under an hour, fans of Tal Farlow, Grant Green and even Pat Martino, will have plenty of strong material to enjoy. Throughout the 13 tracks, Elf and his associates play with an inventiveness so often lacking in straight jazz today.
The title track has an astounding intro theme which Elf and company use to jump off for a strik-ing solo section. "Loved Again", a swinging, medi-um- paced lullaby, features supple single lines by Elf, particularly during the drum breaks. "Oye DNA" recalls Pat Martino's mid 60's work for Prestige. "Rhymin' for Simon" is the burner of the set. The fleet melody instantly insinuates itself into one's ears and the feverish pace of Elf's solos begs for the repeat button on the CD player. On two tracks, "America" and "Have You Met Miss Jones", Elf's marvelous technique is displayed unaccompanied. While even the mention of the term "straight jazz" will instantly turn some people off, Elf's latest offering dispels the notion that the mainstream has no relevance or vitality. Dream Steppin' quite simply is good music by a great musician and should be appreciated by all for whom that is important.
This review first appeared in the May 2002 issue of All About Jazz: New York .
Track Listing
1. Dream Steppin' performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 3:20 2. Too Marvelous for Words performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 4:38 3. Loved Again performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 4:44 4. Griff's Riff performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 6:19 5. Oye DNA performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 4:53 6. Ballad 2000 performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 7:21 7. Rhymin' for Simon performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 4:32 8. Blues to the Left performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 3:55 9. America (Public Domain) - 3:34 10. Cheek to Cheek performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 5:37 11. Pregnant Chad Blues performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 4:35 12. Have You Met Miss Jones? (Hart/Rodgers) - 4:38 13. Pregnant Chad Blues [alternate take] performed by Elf / Lewis Nash / Neal Miner - 1:25
Personnel
Mark Elf
guitarMark Elf: Guitar; Lewis Nash: Drums; Neal Minor: Bass.
Album information
Title: Dream Steppin | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Jen Bay Records
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