Liftoff (2006)

About this title: Mark Elf's 11th release for his Jen Bay label is a lively studio affair. Joined by some of New York's most in-demand session musicians, including pianist David Hazeltine (who has extensively recorded on his own), bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Lewis Nash, the guitarist kicks off with his explosive "Liftoff," a miniature reworking of John Coltrane's "Countdown," though he adds a slightly slower alternate take at the end of the disc. He switches to baritone guitar (which has sort of a country sound) for the boppish "Deception Blues," which is also a variation of "Countdown" as well as ... read more

Tracks:

1. Liftoff [Elf]
2. Thanks for the Memory [Rainger/Robin]
3. Deception Blues [Baritone Guitar][Version] [Elf]
4. Chuy's Challenge [Elf]
5. I've Never Been in Love Before [Loesser]
6. How Low Can You Go [Baritone Guitar] [Elf]
7. Fundingsland Waltz [Elf]
8. Left Hand Corner [Elf]
9. Deception Blues [Guitar] [Elf]
10. Liftoff [Alternate Take] [Elf]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.