Pipe Dreams

by Scott YanowThe Rova Saxophone Quartet doubled in size for this passionate set with the addition of Vinny Golia, Tim Berne, Glenn Spearman and Dave Barrett. By coming up with creative frameworks that utilize rhythmic motifs, preplanned sections, individual solos, duets and group improvising, Larry Ochs (who composed all five selections) was able to make use of the wide variety of sounds and tones that could be produced by this high-powered saxophone octet. The originals range from an Albert Aylerish march and a transcription of a Crotian song (made to sound as if two drunken choirs were singing at the same time) to the often scary "Triceratops." The constant changing of instrumentation and the use of contrast keep the music from ever losing momentum; there are no slow moments. The improvising is consistently free but with a purpose. Open-eared listeners will benefit from giving this stimulating release a close study.