The 1992 edition of Elements is much more interesting than the original version. Co-leaders and founders bassist
Mark Egan and drummer
Danny Gottlieb were clearly challenged by the playing of keyboardist
Gil Goldstein and
David Mann on soprano. The drum machines were gone and this live set finds the group really stretching out on five
Egan originals. There are periods of meandering but most of the music is purposeful, it consistently grooves, and
Mann's soprano adds a lot of fire to the performances, even to the ballad "Amazon Beauty." This is an excellent effort by a colorful fusion/post-bop band. ~ Scott Yanow