City Newspaper Archives - 12/2006
Mark Egan
As We Speak
Published by Ron Netsky on Dec 05, 2006
Mark EganAs We Speak
Wavetone
As a bassist, Mark Egan is used to playing second fiddle. But the hundreds of projects he's been part of since the1970s attest to his stature in the field. From his involvement with the fusion group Elements through his stint with the Pat Metheny Group, to his work with Stan Getz, Gil Evans, and Sting, Egan has been among the most in-demand bassists of our time. As We Speak, a two-CD set, finds him in the superb company of drummer Danny Gottlieb and guitarist John Abercrombie. Suffice to say there is not a dull moment over the 16 tracks. Egan's sound is full-bodied and melodic; comparisons to Joco Pastroius, especially on "Plane To The Trane," are inevitable. Egan is a formidable composer. The title track and "Shade and Shadows" are instant classics and "Mississippi Nights" is nicely tailored for a bass in the lead. An added bonus: this is the best John Abercrombie album I've heard in years.
