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Mark Elf: Glad To Be Back
The opener, "Elfin's Pace," is based on the changes of "Giant Steps," with Elf soloing along the same lines that Trane did. On "Little Old Lady," Elf plays lightning-quick riffs above a mid-tempo melody and Hazeltine follows suit when he takes his solo. The ballad "Alfie" is Elf's story all the way, from his pensive opening statement through the tenderly interpreted solo, to the closing flourish, all augmented nicely by Nash's brushwork. "Bossa For Eric A" is a shoulder-weaving delight with dazzling work by Hazeltine and "A Fancy For Yancy" is a playful waltz. Sandwiched between two identical versions of "Falling In Love With Love" are the lush slow jam "Ballad For Bertrand" and the bright, up-tempo "Gaston's Gate." The only misstep is "Count Spacey," which is weighted down by a tepid drum guitar exchange by Elf and Nash, which is followed by Nash's equally impassive solo.
It's appropriate that the first song on the disc was inspired by the title track from Giant Steps, which was one of John Coltrane's most personal albums. Elf's is just as personal, with several of the tunes named for friends and colleagues who offered their support during his troubles. Glad To Be Back is a testament to survival and a celebration of having more precious time to write songs, play the guitar and live life.
Track Listing
Elfin's Place; Little Old Lady; Groove For Gonzalez; Alfie; Bossa For Eric A; A Fancy For Yancy; Falling In Love With Love; Ballad For Bertrand; Gaston's Gate; Falling In Love With Love.
Personnel
Mark Elf
guitarMark Elf--Guitar; David Hazeltine--Piano; Peter Washington--Bass; Lewis Nash--Drums.
Album information
Title: Glad to be Back | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Jen Bay Records
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