New York Cats

Mark Elf | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 9, 1999)
• Original Release Date: March 5, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Jen Bay
• ASIN: B00000I0SA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,828 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

Mark Elf, a guitarist gifted with far greater chops and improvisational abilities than many of his better-known peers, has achieved his modest commercial success the old-fashioned way: issuing his imaginatively arranged music on his own label, effectively spreading the word, touring, then watching his smartly programmed efforts catch fire at jazz radio.

Similar enthusiasm should accompany Elf's sixth album as a leader, a trio session absent the borrowed big-label names heard on three previous self-produced recordings. Then again,

who needs star power when this much joy is generated by the six-stringer in collaboration with bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Dennis Mackrel?

The trio, sounding like the working unit they often are, splits its attention between originals and standards. Elf carefully negotiates his way through the tricky head and quick tempo of "Brownie Speaks," then slows down for a sweet take on "Blues in the Night," followed by the vigorous melody and fleet fretwork of "From This Moment On." A lovely solo cadenza sets up "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," and Jobim's bossa "No More Blues" shifts from relaxed to frantic and back again. The guitarist creates artful tension on "Stomping at the Savoy" by staggering the theme the second time through, and he drops the rhythm section for a shimmering "Lady Be Good." Elf's own compositions - particularly, the melancholy ballad "Heartfelt" and bouncy swinger "Walker's Walk" - are similarly appealing.

Elf's vision of '90s bebop, although strictly in-the-tradition, doesn't allow room for somber sermonizing about jazz family values. No frills, no big concept. He just plays it like he means it, inadvertently speaking volumes about the continuing vitality and viability of the genre. Neat trick.

--- Philip Booth, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Another great independent release from the US guitarist Elf, October 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: New York Cats (Audio CD)

Mark Elf "New York Cats" Jen Bay Jazz: 005 Duration : 39'44"

Hot on the heels of last year's "Trickynometry", guitarist Mark Elf has returned to the trio format for his fifth independent release as a leader. On "New York Cats", recorded in New York in 1998, Mark leads his extremely capable sidemen through a great mix of originals and more familiar jazz standards.

The trio consisting of Mark Elf on guitar, bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Dennis Mackrel form a cohesive unit that approaches the mainstream repetoire represented on this excellent release with zest and conviction. Whether soloing or accompanying in a variety of styles and tempos, all are more than ready for the demands placed upon them.

The medium tempo "Brownie Speaks" by Clifford Brown gets the CD off to a great start with Mark soloing effortlessly over the 32 bar form. The tempo slows for "Blues In The Night" finding Mark using a chord melody approach. "From This Moment On" burns from beginning to end, while the ballad "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" is custom made for some Tal Farlow "bell-tone" techniques. Jobim's "No More Blues" introduces the familiar sounds of Latin Jazz to the recording. Mark's original "The Conflict" cooks at a medium slow tempo, with brief changes in feel, as the trio digs in for the solos. The familiar "Stomping At The Savoy" is affectionately treated while the original ballad "Heartfelt" tugs at the emotions. "Walker's Walk", another original tune, shuffles convincingly in a very 60s fashion. "Pemble's Tremble" explores some new territory, while remaining accessible. "Lady Be Good" and the original "Blues For Jenny" feature Mark's unaccomapanied guitar as he plays melody, and accompanying parts (and without studio tricks) on these differing tunes.

Its a fine recording of some great jazz standards and originals, by some very accomplished musicians who have obviously worked together for some time. Highly recommended if you want to hear some excellent straight ahead jazz guitar.