Recorded during their second tour of the Soviet Union, these six performances by
Rova (Larry Ochs on tenor and sopranino,
Bruce Ackley on soprano,
Steve Adams on alto and sopranino, and baritonist Jon Raskin) are consistently exciting and inventive. In general, the four masterful saxophonists start off with fairly accessible and rhythmic patterns before venturing into loose but controlled freedom. The sound explorations cover a great deal of emotional ground and usually change or conclude shortly after reaching their optimal length; there is no self-indulgent screaming or aimless wandering. One of
Rova's finest recordings. ~ Scott Yanow