Critic's Review
Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
Guitarist Mark Elf's fifth recording showcases his talents in a trio setting with bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Dennis Mackrel, who lift the leader's jazz fervor to new heights. Without another melodic foil, the pressure is on Elf to keep the music interesting and active, which he does in spades. Elf wrote five of the 12 selections. "The Conflict" is an eighth note marvel that sounds like the conflict is resolved, "Heartfelt" as the title indicates is warm, a glistening ballad with elongated chords, and "Walker's Walk" combines cool bluesy walking bass and great grooving shuffle rhythms. "Pemble's Tremble" is somewhat an oddity to the rest, a compelling modal piece with ostinato bass, contrary bass, and guitar phrasings, and some off minor flourishes. Elf is a gifted technical player that has the heart, soul, and swing to back him up, as well as his amplified guitar. The different tempo pacings and stunning harmonic picking during "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" is ear-grabbing. He's able to use staggered phrasings to mix up "Stompin' at the Savoy," connects long fibrous strings of ideas as he overdubs chords and bop furious single lines for "Brownie Speaks," yet can peg patient witty chordal ideas on "Blues in the Night" as if he wrote the piece. "Lady Be Good" starts flamenco, goes to static 4/4, then to phenomenal chord and single line progressions played together. "Blues for Jenny," another Elf original, is easier going but not easy-minded -- another example of his prowess and mastery. With each effort and every song, Elf gets stronger and more confident. He can play fast, no doubt, and swings like there's no tomorrow. Mark Elf has arrived with this great recording. Highly recommended.
