Tim Berne: Open, Coma

The four pieces on this two-disc set are generous in length, stretching from 28 to 46 minutes. Obviously this is not music for people with a short attention span. But since the pieces are arranged in relatively bite-sized chunks, the listening experience doesn't require all that much effort. Radio hits these are not, though ironically the recording was produced for exactly that medium. (Apparently the Swedes and Danes still have some bandwidth left on the dial for serious music.)

In the grand tradition of free jazz big bands, Open, Coma occupies precious space between arranged themes and wide open improvisation. At times it's hard to detect much arrangement at all, and at others there's clearly a sense of order. Berne, Ducret, and Robertson each play major roles as soloists, but as often as not they yield to the members of the Copenhagen Art Ensemble. This group, conducted by Ture Larson, has no trouble navigating the waters of freedom. In fact, some of the choicest moments on this set arise when the CAE members engage in spirited conversation.

This recording also presents an exception to Berne's usual hard-edged approach to composition and performance. Rather than bustling in and around quirky rhythms, these tunes tend to emphasize texture and space. Sure, there's plenty of energy at times, but there are also plenty of quiet, reflective moments. The first half hour of "Eye Contact," for example, offers generous space and some tastefully lyrical playing. Berne lends his voice here, sounding as soft and engaging as he's been on record. But there's more. As the group rolls off a horny arrangement halfway through the title piece, Marc Ducret steps in to deliver a sharp electric improvisation that travels through free space and eventually returns to support the big-band reprise. Somehow, despite the changes of scenery, it all sounds very connected.

In many ways Open, Coma represents a new approach for Tim Berne. Never one to get too comfortable in any given place, he's taken a risk here by blowing up the size of the group and opening up its sound substantially. It pays off.

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