Maguire Dean Baker Genockey 2004 Psychic Warrior torrent

Alex Maguire, Elton Dean, Fred T. Baker, Liam Genockey ~ Psychic Warrior ~ 2004
Hux Records HUX 059.

Elton Dean: alto saxophone, saxello
Fred T Baker: electric & acoustic bass guitars
Liam Genockey: drums, percussion
Alex Maguire: Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes

Usually landing somewhere between free jazz and more standard fusion, Psychic Warrior's debut album, as expected, is rather in-line with the school of electric British fusion jazz that descends from the Soft Machine's early-'70s lineups (of which Psychic Warrior's Elton Dean was, at one time, a part). It's not exactly an eye-opening release, but it does contain more sly humor than some efforts in this school, particularly when Alex Maguire plays his Hammond organ as if he's trying to give fusion jazz a tinge of monster movie creepiness. The numbers on which he plays, usually in a more sedate manner, on the Fender Rhodes electric piano are more mainstream and less satisfying, though even here Dean peels off some impressive free-range soloing. There's a bit of Graham Bond/Colosseum crossover blues- jazz-rock fusion, too, to the finale "Marina," a sound always worth honoring. - Richie Unterberger, AMG