Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Mark Elf: New York Cats

Mark Elf: New York Cats

By C. Michael Bailey
April 1, 1999
View read count

Boplicity. New York Cats is guitarist Mark Elf's fourth release on his Jen Bay record label. His 1997 release, Trickynometry, was number one on Gavin's Jazz Chart for 4 weeks, a feat one would expect this new disc to repeat or better. In a break from past practice, Elf does not include any major label musicians as guests on this disc, choosing instead to use only musicians he regularly performs with. The result is a relaxed, trio-driven set of standards and originals that proves Elf to be, in the words of the Detroit Free Press' Mark Stryker, "...the kind of cat who throws a party every time he plays a lick."

Perfectly Round Sound. The Berklee-trained Elf has a beautifully round, well-defined, tone that bears the mark of a variety of guitar influences from Charlie Christian to Wes Montgomery. Whether playing single notes, chords, or octaves, his solo conception and performance betrays a well-trained thoughtfulness that is never merely academic and is always infectious and positive. Elf and his merry trio (Jay Leonhart on bass and Dennis Mackrel on Drums or Kevin Burrell on percussion) swing with an effortless grace that defines all that is right about Jazz.

An Eclectic Mix. Elf starts with a solid Clifford Brown ("Brownie Speaks") and winds through a strolling "Blues in the Night". There is a hesitant "When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and a slippery "Stomping and the Savoy". The solos "Lady Be Good" and "Blues for Jenny" are disc highlights along with the originals "Walker's Walk" and "Pemble's Tremble". Elf's decision to use musicians familiar to him pays off in some tight, intelligent ensemble playing, as well as soloing. This entire package makes this disc wholly satisfying. New York Cats is a worthy follow-up to Trickynometry. Mark Elf produces serious, well-crafted jazz with an appropriate sense of humor and honor. Super disc!

Track Listing

Brownie Speaks; Blues in the Night; From This Moment On; Smoke Gets in Your eyes; No More Blues; The Conflict; Stompin' At The Savoy; Heartfelt; Walker's Walk; Pemble's Tremble; Lady Be Good; Blues for Jenny.

Personnel

Mark Elf

guitar

Mark Elf: Guitar; Jay Leonhart: Bass; Dennis Mackrel: Drums; Kevin Burrell: Percussion.

Album information

Title: New York Cats | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Jen Bay Records

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Dave Douglas: Convergence
< Previous

Can You Judge an Album By Its Label?
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make 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.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves 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.