82% Chance of Rain

Portland pianist/composer Andrew Oliver heads up a two sax-sextet (for wand of a better descriptive term) that is all over the map on 82% Chance of Rain. After their debut disc on a small indie label, their sophomore effort should receive more attention since it appears on Origin's sister label, OA2. Although relatively young, Oliver is well-seasoned (and well-known around the Portland area) with membership in several different groups of various genres and sizes. The diverse, involved compositions heard here are from all the players except for reedist Tobin. Saxophonist Matheis is represented by one lone selection, the creamy "I Am Yours" -- a pleasant diversion from the sometimes cacophonous contributions of guitar whumper Duval (mostly). Duval has the distinction of penning the group's theme, "Only A Quality Lime for Eric Gruber," rendered twice with only one second's difference in the timing of the two appearances. This is super-eclectic stuff that probably comes off more cohesive when heard in person.