Customer Reviews

Over the Airwaves

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Mark Elf is a brilliant straight ahead jazz guitarist. Never heard of him? Too bad, because he has played with a who's who of legendary jazz masters. Try these on for size: Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, Junior Cook, Lou Donaldson, Freddie Hubbard, Groove Holmes. I could go on.

Mark started his own jazz record label, the Jen Bay Jazz label, and this is one of the entries, recorded in 1999.

"On the Airwaves" is a theme album. Remember jazz radio? Is there any left any more? It used to be available all over the country in "the old days." Mark plays tribute to various radio stations and disc jockeys in each of the 12 swinging numbers on this recording. Mark also is giving a thank you to jazz radio for making his frequent recordings done in the 1990's very popular plays on the jazz radio charts.

It's no wonder they were popular. These are swinging, enjoyable trio numbers with Ralph Peterson on drums and Jay Leonhardt on bass. These two musicians are the best.

Mark plays standards such as "Blue Moon, jazz standards such as "Lush Life," and plays them well. he also includes several originals that he wrote, to good effect.

Correct me if I am wrong, but Mark has not released a record in several years. He teaches guitar and does clinics. But if you are a lover of jazz guitar like I am, you should hear his recordings. They may be available for an embarrasingly low price, so there is no excuse not to get them. I deducted one star because Mark may seem a little cerebral in his playing, and not emotional enough, but who cares when he plays jazz so well.