by Scott YanowMark Egan, who has a floating sound, is best-known for his leadership of Elements with drummer Danny Gottlieb. His first instrument was the trumpet, switching to bass at 16. Egan played with Ira Sullivan's group in Miami from 1974 to 1976 and then moved to New York where he toured with the Pointer Sisters and David Sanborn. Egan's big break was when he became a member of the Pat Metheny Group (1977-1980), recording and touring extensively. Since leaving Metheny, he has worked in many situations, including with Stan Getz, Jim Hall, the Gil Evans Orchestra (1983-1985), and John McLaughlin. Elements, which usually also features Bill Evans on reeds and keyboardist Clifford Carter, was formed in 1982 and has existed on a part-time basis ever since, recording for Philo, Antilles, Novus, and Bluemoon.