By Glenn Astarita

ROVA’s The Works (Volume 3) is third in a series of commissioned recordings from significant modern day composers. ROVA continue to plot neoteric and gallant voyages into the land of modern jazz while drawing upon their vast influences, and overall willingness to pursue a special or shall we say “premium blend” of music which knows no boundaries! Arguably the finest saxophone quartet on the planet, ROVA have been hypnotizing and winning audiences here and abroad for years via heterogeneous arrangements, nuance, implied meter and brilliant soloing all with a seemingly authoritative or commanding presence. On The Works Volume 3, ROVA continue their mastery of music-art while exploring just about every facet or component permissible as they dig deep into the soul or inherent spirit of a composition.

The gifted stylist of modern Americana, Robin Holcomb, composed “Laredo”. Here, the saxophonists commence with a soft, bluesy and altogether memorable melody as the quartet take on the persona of a saxophone choir through sublime choruses, split octaves, masterful soloing and the uncanny ability to produce toe-tapping meter sans the benefit of a rhythm section. Ms Holcomb’s composition is beautifully rendered via near flawless charts and endearing subtleties that emanates from within and expands outward. Pianist-composer and founding father of the AACM, Muhal Richard Abrams’ “Quartet #1” opens as a free-improv of sorts while the saxophonists engage various themes with great discipline, performing within the upper registers of their instruments. Circular motion ensues which segues into a series of complex arrangements as baritone saxophonist Jon Raskin anchors the pulse through his wide, corpulent sound and dexterous attack. The compositional aspects and execution of this piece involves a multifarious framework which is akin to a storyline that evolves and deviates in order to create suspense and drama while ultimately achieving the appropriate endpoint or finale!

ROVA’s alto and sopranino saxophonist Steve Adams, displays his composing expertise on the interesting piece titled, “The Gene Pool”. Besides being a sharp, highly skilled technician, Adams’ multicolored, complex and altogether textural approach is evident from the opening seconds as the listener is treated to subliminal mid-eastern overtones and the patented - dynamic rhythmic structures. -- A glowing if not remarkable trait of this band. On this piece, Adams and Larry Ochs engage in articulate yet charismatic phraseology as the quartet in many instances “pinch hit” while not soloing, as if they were actors, alternating roles on stage.......At times, the quartet swing or cite Ellington-style chromatic or multi-tonal big-band choruses as the pulse and overall direction of this piece evokes disparate moods along with polytonal concepts which should maintain the listener’s fascination – as we partake in the journey.

The Works “Volume 3” is yet another impressive showing from this distinguished band. - Another entry of this caliber into their already prolific catalogue should come as no surprise to the well informed. Without further ado, The Works “Volume 3” is a major work and if you are unfamiliar with this band, now is the time to get acquainted....! * * * * *

Personnel: Bruce Ackley; Soprano & Tenor Saxophones: Jon Raskin; Baritone & Sopranino Saxophones: Steve Adams; Alto & Sopranino Saxophones: Larry Ochs; Tenor & Sopranino Saxophones.