Search - Rova :: Saxophone Diplomacy

A Different Take On A Saxophone Quartet

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 09/06/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When you hear the words "saxophone quartet," you immediately think of the great World Saxophone Quartet. While that group was arguably the best, they certainly were/are not the only. The ROVA Saxophone Quartet (the band name borrows the first letter of each member's last name -- Jon Raskin, Larry Ochs, Andrew Voight and Bruce Ackley) is a refreshing alternative in this unique jazz genre. "Saxophone Diplomacy" was recorded during the group's 1983 tour of the former Soviet Union. Don't let the historical communist propaganda type cover fool you, the music is anything but out of date. The album is best summarized on ROVA's two arrangements of Steve Lacy tunes, "Flamingo Horizons" and "Paint Another Take of the Shootpop." The songs are wild explorations with intricate, synchronized lines and improvisations. With so many Hat Art discs having been deleted in recent years (I'm still lamenting over not buying certain Anthony Braxton and Cecil Taylor titles), interested parties should get this quickly."