**** Odean Pope Trio

COLLECTIVE VOICES

(CIMP)

Most saxophonists who use John Coltrane's ideas end up sounding like him. Not Philadelphia's Odean Pope -- the longtime member of the Max Roach Quartet has a style all his own. Like Trane, Pope's an impeccable craftsman and an advanced thinker, but his imposing skill and intellect are always dedicated to a higher aim. On "Fourth House," his search for hidden musical relationships in the tune's structure has all the drama and beauty of a search for divine secrets. His solos on "Free Spirit" and the title track employ such advanced techniques as multiphonics (playing several notes at once), circular breathing (inhaling through the nose and exhaling into the instrument simultaneously), and elaborate motivic development. But he does so with a personalized sound -- a hard, flinty tone brightened by an expressively hoarse edge. He works in collaboration with bassist Tyrone Brown, whose warm, voluptuous sound and continuous countermelodies add harmonic depth and rhythmic variety, and drummer Craig McIver, a melodic percussionist with both finesse and power. If years of hearing Coltrane's innovations rehashed have left you feeling there's nothing more to be done with them, this CD will revive your faith.

-- Ed Hazell