Jazz Articles about Tim Berne

Tim Berne: The Shell Game

by Todd S. Jenkins
May 1, 2001

Altoist Berne continues to explore unseen territories and push the boundaries of musical intensity on this, the latest release in Thirsty Ear's Blue Series as overseen by Matthew Shipp. For the past couple of decades Berne has been one of the most adventurous altoists in modern jazz, and this new trio finds him mining virgin musical land once more.

Craig Taborn performs on keyboards and electronics, sculpting ominous nightmare visions (and, on occasion, idyllic oases) between Berne's ferocious alto and ...

Tim Berne: The Shell Game

by Mark Corroto
April 1, 2001

The latest incarnation of alto saxophonist and composer Tim Berne is his trio Quicksand, which also includes drummer Tom Rainey and keyboardist Craig Taborn. On The Shell Game, this group explores a series of extended form, post-millennial compositions that appear from thin air, apply waves of tension, then release and disappear into nothingness. Berne, a disciple of Julius Hemphill, has been an influential on the New York Downtown scene for nearly twenty years--including collaborations with John Zorn, Michael Formanek, and ...

Tim Berne: The Shell Game

by AAJ Staff
April 1, 2001

Typically edgy and in your face, Tim Berne refuses to compromise on his Thirsty Ear debut. While other records in Matt Shipp's Blue Series have tended toward the accessible side of free jazz, Berne's The Shell Game only expands upon his unique idiosyncratic vision. Tired of the traditional sax/bass/drums trio setting, the saxophonist steps into a different configuration here. He joins forces with old-time collaborator Tom Rainey on drums and fresh mischief-maker Craig Taborn on keys and electronics. Taborn's contributions ...

Tim Berne: Bloodcount Unwound

by Glenn Astarita
July 1, 1997

Saxophonist extroadinaire Tim Berne has recently released a 3-CD set on his own label, Screwgun Records. Berne has been a leading proponent of the so called NYC “Downtown Scene" for many years; his vast recorded library stretches back to the late 1970's. Columbia records signed Berne many years ago in an attempt to diversify it's more or less conservative portfolio. Enjoying limited success with Columbia, Berne subsequently recorded several fantastic LP's for Soul Note and JMT records.