Mark Elf's third self-produced CD is another gem. The guitarist's trio selections, with bassist
Peter Washington and drummer Louis Nash, include a snappy miniature arrangement of "After You've Gone," a rarely heard ballad by
Harold Arlen, "It Is Written in the Stars," and his bluesy original title track. Elf's guests include the young trumpet star
Nicholas Payton on a conversational "Come Rain or Come Shine" and the delightful pianist
Benny Green on a lively cover of "Nobody Else But Me." Mark Elf's taste and consistency have helped him break the seeming stranglehold that larger labels have on jazz radio charts; if you haven't yet heard him, start with this highly recommended CD. ~ Ken Dryden