The first time I heard a Rova album 1980 s This, This, This, This (Moers Music) I was, I remember well, intimidated, as much by the timbral homogeneity of the saxophone quartet as by the uncompromising complexity of the music. Without markedly different instruments in the line-up playing off each other it s always hard to resist the temptation to personify instruments and turn pieces of music into works of theatre we re left with no option but to focus on the music itself, the notes, and Messrs Ackley, Adams, Ochs and Raskin are nothing if not note men , to quote one of their heroes, Morton Feldman. Even after 34 years playing together (23 for Adams, who joined in 1988 after founder member Andrew Voigt left) they show relatively little interest in the flutters, clicks and pops of the new saxophone vocabulary of the past 15 years. The three pieces on offer here make abundantly clear that there s enough remaining to be done with the old twelve tones to keep them busy for another three decades. Both, the background and the solos reflect the dazzling virtuosity and consummate musicianship of these guys. And no amount of verbal explanation in a set of liner notes can prepare you for the thrill and challenge of A Short History , which, despite its title, demands, deserves and richly rewards long and loving attentive listening. Dan Warburton