Influential fusion group that began when duo Mark Egan and Danny Gottlieb recorded together in early '80s. They were subsequently joined on this '83 effort by saxophonist Bill Evans and Clifford Carter, and things got more intense and expansive with two additional voices. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
Bassist Mark Egan and drummer Danny Gottlieb have been longtime friends, starting with their days at the University of Miami in the early '70s and continuing during their period with Pat Metheny (Egan was in the guitarist's group from 1978-1980, while Gottlieb stayed until 1983). They formed Elements in 1982, which, from its start, also included Bill Evans on soprano and tenor and keyboardist Clifford Carter; guitarist Steve Khan, keyboardist Gil Goldstein, several percussionists, saxophonist David Mann, and other players have been guests. Their music (documented on Philo, Antilles, Hip Pocket, Novus, GRP, Bluemoon, and Wavetone) is a quiet and thoughtful form of fusion, filled with subtle creativity. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
This album is more jazz-oriented than their two previous albums[citation needed], and remains highly technically complex. Elements was written in forty days in Pro Media Studios.[citation needed] The band wanted to break up but they also needed to finish their third album contract to their record label. Elements features the addition of a third guitarist, Frank Emmi. Initially, Rand Burkey was not going to appear on the album, and as Kelly Shaefer had developed carpal tunnel syndrome, (preventing him from playing anything but rhythm guitar) a new lead guitar player was needed. Before recording, Burkey rejoined the band, and thus the band ended up with three guitarists. Shaefer plays rhythm guitar, while Emmi and Burkey share responsibilities for leads and solos.
