snobb
"Remembrance" is the last album (June 2014) from the excellent British sax player, Elton Dean. It features just four long compositions, released as a double CD set. Recorded in a London studio in 2004, this music perfectly represents Dean's(who passed away in 2006, being just 60) improvisational side.
Widely known as an early member of Soft Machine (where he spent three years only), Elton Dean for decades was one of the key figures in the British free jazz and improvs scene (quite regularly returning to progressive rock recordings as well). Here on this excellent double album, each extended improvisation is played by a different line-up: bass-drums duo,two different trios and a quartet. Dean's equally skilled collaborators here are Paul Dunmal on tenor, Paul Rogers on bass and American expatriate drummer Tony Bianco.
Probably the most impressive fact from all of these sets is how well-balanced this music is without being overpowering. Quirky rhythm sections drive the flow ahead of Dean's laconic and melodic alto sax and saxelo inclusions. There are not even a few free spaces during the two hours of music, but the sound is so loose that being generally up-tempo and muscular compositions. they still sound almost relaxed.
Everyone interested in Elton Dean's freer side will enjoy this album for sure.