description Elton Dean Overview
Elton Dean (1945–2006) was a British alto saxophonist and saxello player best known for his tenure with the progressive rock-jazz group Soft Machine in the early 1970s. He performed on landmark Soft Machine albums including "Third" and "Fourth," contributing to the band's shift toward jazz-influenced progressive music. After departing Soft Machine, he remained active in European free improvisation and jazz, collaborating with artists such as Keith Tippett and leading his own ensembles.
help Elton Dean FAQ
Which Soft Machine albums feature Elton Dean?
Elton Dean played alto saxophone and saxello on Soft Machine's Third from 1970 and Fourth from 1971. He also contributed to Fifth, released in 1972.
What is a saxello, the instrument associated with Elton Dean?
A saxello is a rarely used saxophone related to the soprano saxophone, with a distinctive curved shape and focused tone. Dean used it alongside alto saxophone during his 1969 to 1972 Soft Machine period.
How did Elton Dean change Soft Machine's sound?
Dean helped move Soft Machine toward instrumental jazz fusion during the band's early-1970s quartet period with Robert Wyatt, Hugh Hopper, and Mike Ratledge. On Third, the four album sides are extended suites rather than conventional short rock songs.
Did Elton Dean have connections outside Soft Machine?
Before Soft Machine, Dean played with Bluesology, the group led by Long John Baldry that included pianist Reginald Dwight. Dwight later became Elton John, taking Elton's first name from Dean and John's surname from Baldry.
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