Moorsong, saxophonist
Elton Dean's fourth recording for Cuneiform, is comprised of three very different sessions. The bulk of the album (the first five tracks) showcases
Dean with
Alex Maguire (Hammond organ), Fred T. Baker (bass), and Liam Genockey (drums). This set sounds a lot like
Medeski, Martin & Wood (their Ryko years). These sunny upbeat grooves driven by raunchy organ are quite unexpected. ("John's Fragment," with its 9/8 bass motif, could have been written by
Hugh Hopper!) "Baker's Treat" is a slow bop number with a spotlight for the bassist -- nice job. "Bedrock Ruse" is a straight blues-jazz number, while "Full Fathom Five" comes back to
MM&W funkiness. The next two tracks take a completely different direction. Recorded by
Dean, Baker, guitarist Mark Hewins, and free jazz drummer
Mark Sanders, these are moody free improvisations with more room left for
Dean to shine. "Soldering On" deserves a special mention: a beautiful slow-paced improv ending with
Sanders on timpani. The last piece, "Moorsong," is a strange duet between
Dean and Hewins. The latter's playing is inspired by
Syd Barrett and
Dean tries to fit something in. It doesn't work very well and the sound quality is subpar on this particular track. Overall,
Moorsong is a mixed bag. Some will like this generally lighter side of the saxophonist, but one thing is certain: most listeners will be surprised. Let's just say there are more essential
Elton Dean records. ~ François Couture