Tim Berne's Caos Totale- Pace YourselfTechnically speaking, this is the album of the past three weeks, but I'm secretly hoping you'll smile, nod, and act like nothing happened.
Although I'm writing about this album now, I think it will probably take a few more spins before I really understand what Berne is trying to accomplish. For a jazz album, the material is remarkably diverse- varying from lengthy avant-garde saxophone jams to almost 70's-rock-like pieces. The group as a whole, however, isn't quite as interesting as the ideas frequently expressed by the individual musicians. In particular, Bobby Previte's drum work is absolutely outstanding, notably so during his extended solo on "The Noose". Berne's saxophone playing, while occasionally difficult to follow, is very striking and intense, and there are a few extremely clever plunger-brass sections. I wish I could say more about the dynamics of the group, but I felt like my attention was perpetually being drawn between members of the band, talented as they all are.
Recommended for fans of free jazz, or adventurous fans of regular jazz.
Also, I'm going to see Philadelphia-based mashup artist Girl Talk at First Ave tomorrow, so I'll try to post a review and/or pictures of that show. I'm excited.
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