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DOUBLE REVIEW:
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DAVID TORN/TIM BERNE/CHES SMITH - Sun Of Goldfinger
ECM 773 1919
David Torn (electric guitar, live-looping, electronics); Tim Berne (alto saxophone); Ches Smith (drums, electronics, tanbou)
with Craig Taborn (electronics, piano);
Scorchio Quartet - Amy Kimball, Rachel Golub (violin); Martha Mooke (viola); Leah Coloff (cello);
Mark Bagetta, Ryan Ferreira (guitar)
Recorded September 2015 & August 2018
Review 1:
This album consolidates the ongoing working relationship between guitarist Torn and maverick saxophonist, Tim Berne, and what is interesting is how these two unlikely bedfellows bring their disparate musical stylings together to make this most raucously compelling recording. Tim Berne's alto lines often remain aloof and almost detached from proceedings, either working towards the guitar and electronics before backing away, or steadfastly declaring independence and pursuing his own path rather than actively seeking common ground.
This is along album and comprises of just three long compositions that all exceed the twenty minute mark. Two feature the trio and sandwiched between these is 'Spartan, Before It Hit' featuring an augmented line up featuring Craig Taborn, a string quartet and a two guitarists.
The opening 'Eye Meddle' creates a textural background upon which Berne spins out fragmentary alto lines. Eleven minutes in, drummer Ches Smith lays down a heavy back beat establishing a groove that is exploited raucously by Torn on electric guitar. This builds in intensity for the next eight minutes, and as the music winds down Berne picks his moment to re-enter with melodic figures that again goad Smith into a frenzy of activity.
The other trio number is 'Soften The Blow opens with a repetitive upper register motif from the altoist that is subtly treated with electronics and quietly spoken, atmospheric guitar from Torn, becoming more insistant. Not to be outdone, Berne registers his presence with evermore forceful over blowing before bringing the music to calmer waters, and persisting with his motif that slowly developing the ideas with ever longer lines. As the piece progresses drummer, Smith, is heard to great effect varying his attack, enticing the music to an edgier and dynamic area of exploration, amd again it is the altoist who restores a little order.
The highlight of the set is augmented line up on 'Spartan, Before It Hit', that manages to build on the music of the trio without muddying the waters, with the additional instruments finding their place in an already dense musical jungle. This is achieved by the textural nature of Torn's music being enhanced by the additional musicians and a stronger emphasis on melody, ad the component parts that make the melodic content stand out, yet still providing room to push at the boundaries of the composition. This has resulted in an invigorating piece of music that is never permitted to lose focus, employing a methodology of containment rather than restraint on the musicians in a structured framework that is packed with incident.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
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Review 2:
This is an intense, pile driving offering from the trio of guitar wizard David Torn, alto saxophonist Tim Berne and drummer/percussionist Ches Smith with Sun Of Goldfinger. Right off the bat, the listener is greeted with Torn’s surreal loops, and Ches Smith’s electronics sounding as if the drums are in another room. Berne’s goes far beyond the range of the horn and peppers proceedings over the piece’s 20 plus minutes with a concentrated exercise in repetition.
'Spartan, Before It Fell' is a commissioned piece with the addition of the Scorchio Quartet, ECM label mate Craig Taborn on piano and electronics, and Mike Baggetta and Ryan Ferreira on additional guitars. Once again with Torn’s loops an otherworldly portal is opened, and the piece reflects the soundtrack side of his work featuring melancholic strings from the Scorchio Quartet. The piece vacillates between this feeling and storming free improvisation when Torn, Berne and Smith come crashing in midway through the piece. Distant guitars also create a synth like effect.
On the closing “Soften The Blow” Berne makes use of repetition against the unusual textures from Torn and Smith, and finishes with declarative harmonics closing a incredibly visceral experience.
Reviewed by C J Shearn
ECM 773 1919
David Torn (electric guitar, live-looping, electronics); Tim Berne (alto saxophone); Ches Smith (drums, electronics, tanbou)
with Craig Taborn (electronics, piano);
Scorchio Quartet - Amy Kimball, Rachel Golub (violin); Martha Mooke (viola); Leah Coloff (cello);
Mark Bagetta, Ryan Ferreira (guitar)
Recorded September 2015 & August 2018
Review 1:
This album consolidates the ongoing working relationship between guitarist Torn and maverick saxophonist, Tim Berne, and what is interesting is how these two unlikely bedfellows bring their disparate musical stylings together to make this most raucously compelling recording. Tim Berne's alto lines often remain aloof and almost detached from proceedings, either working towards the guitar and electronics before backing away, or steadfastly declaring independence and pursuing his own path rather than actively seeking common ground.
This is along album and comprises of just three long compositions that all exceed the twenty minute mark. Two feature the trio and sandwiched between these is 'Spartan, Before It Hit' featuring an augmented line up featuring Craig Taborn, a string quartet and a two guitarists.
The opening 'Eye Meddle' creates a textural background upon which Berne spins out fragmentary alto lines. Eleven minutes in, drummer Ches Smith lays down a heavy back beat establishing a groove that is exploited raucously by Torn on electric guitar. This builds in intensity for the next eight minutes, and as the music winds down Berne picks his moment to re-enter with melodic figures that again goad Smith into a frenzy of activity.
The other trio number is 'Soften The Blow opens with a repetitive upper register motif from the altoist that is subtly treated with electronics and quietly spoken, atmospheric guitar from Torn, becoming more insistant. Not to be outdone, Berne registers his presence with evermore forceful over blowing before bringing the music to calmer waters, and persisting with his motif that slowly developing the ideas with ever longer lines. As the piece progresses drummer, Smith, is heard to great effect varying his attack, enticing the music to an edgier and dynamic area of exploration, amd again it is the altoist who restores a little order.
The highlight of the set is augmented line up on 'Spartan, Before It Hit', that manages to build on the music of the trio without muddying the waters, with the additional instruments finding their place in an already dense musical jungle. This is achieved by the textural nature of Torn's music being enhanced by the additional musicians and a stronger emphasis on melody, ad the component parts that make the melodic content stand out, yet still providing room to push at the boundaries of the composition. This has resulted in an invigorating piece of music that is never permitted to lose focus, employing a methodology of containment rather than restraint on the musicians in a structured framework that is packed with incident.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
****************************************
Review 2:
This is an intense, pile driving offering from the trio of guitar wizard David Torn, alto saxophonist Tim Berne and drummer/percussionist Ches Smith with Sun Of Goldfinger. Right off the bat, the listener is greeted with Torn’s surreal loops, and Ches Smith’s electronics sounding as if the drums are in another room. Berne’s goes far beyond the range of the horn and peppers proceedings over the piece’s 20 plus minutes with a concentrated exercise in repetition.
'Spartan, Before It Fell' is a commissioned piece with the addition of the Scorchio Quartet, ECM label mate Craig Taborn on piano and electronics, and Mike Baggetta and Ryan Ferreira on additional guitars. Once again with Torn’s loops an otherworldly portal is opened, and the piece reflects the soundtrack side of his work featuring melancholic strings from the Scorchio Quartet. The piece vacillates between this feeling and storming free improvisation when Torn, Berne and Smith come crashing in midway through the piece. Distant guitars also create a synth like effect.
On the closing “Soften The Blow” Berne makes use of repetition against the unusual textures from Torn and Smith, and finishes with declarative harmonics closing a incredibly visceral experience.
Reviewed by C J Shearn
