What makes Totally Spinning by Rova Saxophone Quartet notable?

The album is noteworthy for its experimental compositions and received critical acclaim within jazz circles, solidifying Rova's reputation as a leading force in contemporary jazz. It emphasized the group's commitment to pushing boundaries, influencing a new generation of musicians exploring similar avant-garde aesthetics. When 'Totally Spinning' was released in 2006, the Rova Saxophone Quartet was already an established presence in the avant-garde jazz scene, having formed in 1978. This album marked a continuation of their innovative approach to saxophone interplay and extended their legacy as pioneers of the genre, following their previous release, 'The Circumference of Reason' in 2002.

How many songs are on Totally Spinning?

Totally Spinning has 8 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Totally Spinning

Rova Saxophone Quartet · 2006

60 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant exploration of avant-garde jazz that intertwines intricate melodies with bold improvisation and rhythmic complexity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Let's Go Totally Spinning — This opening track showcases the quartet's distinctive harmonies and dynamic interplay, setting an energetic tone for the entire album.
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It's a Journey, Not a Destination — Spanning nearly sixteen minutes, this track embodies the essence of improvisational exploration, allowing each member to shine while weaving together complex motifs.
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Cuernavaca Starlight for Charles Mingus — Paying homage to Mingus, this piece highlights the group's ability to blend homage with innovation, reflecting both respect and creative interpretation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Rova Saxophone Quartet's 'Totally Spinning' displays intricate compositions and strong improvisation, marking it as a notable avant-garde jazz work.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisation sections where the musicians explore themes introduced at the beginning.
The final track is a reimagined version of an earlier piece, creating a dialogue between the two versions.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Let's Go Totally Spinning 8:12
2 Stiction 6:39
3 Radar 11/19/01 4:05
4 Cuernavaca Starlight for Charles Mingus 8:00
5 Kick It 3:45
6 It's a Journey, Not a Destination 15:55
7 Preshrunk 5:41
8 Radar, Version 731 8:10

What to play next

Listen next

The Juke Box Suite

2007

Go back to

Electric Ascension

2005

Full Rova Saxophone Quartet discography Artists like Rova Saxophone Quartet

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