|
The Mark Elf Trio
Live At Smalls
Guitarist Mark Elf may be like no other. A traditional, melodically-inclined bop player (from the Bucky Pizzarelli/Joe Pass school of versatile licks), Elf has intentionally bucked prevailing trends that quote repetitive grooves or rock-tinged theatrics. Always in search of long-drawn improvisations based on complex changes and tightly-wound fingerwork, a session with Elf is ear-opening in the knowledge that the guitar has infinite possiblities as a rhythm tool and solo voice in the hands of the master (more impressive when you realize there's never any effects pedal present). Although this live recording has remained on the shelf for the last five years (issued now to popular demand, basically unedited), it captures Elf on a very animated night, tempting a few new choruses and false codas from "It Was Written In The Stars," to the manic intensity of Thelonious Monk's "52nd Street Theme," and the resolute sustains of Horace Silver's "Quick Silver" for icing. Excellent! –virginia reed (Jen Bay Jazz, P.O. Box 184, East Rockaway, NY 11518)
|
