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Tim Berne: The Sublime and...
But it's the performances that count, and the 110 minutes of music on the two-disc set delivers. It jumps off with the insistent groove of "Van Gundy's Retreat," a new tune, emblematic of Berne's stylea repeating melody line is deconstructed by the group into its disparate threads, explored, then rebuilt. Berne hangs on high alto notes that challenge the limits of tension and harmony. The introduction to "The Shell Game" offers a break with its minimalist, atmospheric melody. Taborn chooses sounds that imply the bottom end, without necessarily playing bass lines. He and Rainey set up a driving, rock rhythm ripe for Ducret's slashing solo. "Mrs. Subliminal" is a sprawling piece that dances around musical themes before segueing into the more tightly constructed "Clownfinger," a classic Berne riff that the band locks into. Berne's and Rainey's extrapolations of the theme are explosive.
Disc two starts with "Small Fry," a Taborn solo reworking of the tune "Sigh Fry" from Science Friction. Taborn gives a simultaneously growling and melodic performance on "Jalapeño Diplomacy/ Traction," comping himself with distinctly different sounds. The tune also highlights tight ensemble playing and a nearly lyrical Berne playing over the melody. The final piece, "Stuckon U (for Sarah)," also features group interplay and an extended range of dynamics and textures.
The Sublime And... is a strong addition to the Berne catalog, sure to be welcomed by fans. And for newcomers, it provides a nice entry point, displaying Berne's compositional and playing aesthetics with longtime musical cohorts.
Track Listing
1. Van Gundy's Retreat (Berne) - 10:43 2. The Shell Game (Berne) - 23:59 3. Mrs. Subliminal/Clownfinger (Berne) - 30:18 4. Smallfry (Berne/Taborn) - 6:17 5. Jalape
Personnel
Tim Berne
saxophone, altoTim Berne - Alto Sax; Marc Ducret - Electric Guitar; Tom Rainey - Drums; Craig Taborn - Organ, Keyboards, Fender Rhodes.
Album information
Title: The Sublime and... | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Thirsty Ear Recordings
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About Tim Berne
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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