Dino Govoni: In the Library

On his In the Library (Whaling City Sound), tenor saxophonist Dino Govoni employs a lovely tone, a good ear and prodigious technical facility to generate virtuosic improvisations that exploit the harmonic and rhythmic possibilities of his material. Pianist Henry Hey, too, demonstrates advanced harmonic understanding and a highly sophisticated rhythmic sense. The former talent supports the soloists’ superbly crafted, long-lined improvisations. The latter permits them to create phrases with complex rhythmic displacement that would throw lesser players. It also shows up in the quartet’s deft handling of tunes like Hey’s “Get Your Goat On,” with its seven-beat (3-2-2) metric pattern, thanks also in no small part to the skill of drummer Bob Kaufman. Except for a pair of tunes, Govoni, Hey or bassist Mike Pope wrote all the songs, which cover assorted tempos and moods. Chick Corea’s “Again and Again” offers the leader an opportunity to pick up his soprano for one example of his gentler side.

Originally Published May 1, 2003