Tim Berne- Bloodcount

Tim Berne - Bloodcount

Since emerging from the ’80’s New York downtown scene, saxophonist/composer Tim Berne has asserted a strong and singular musical personality in his diverse and captivating works. His many collaborators over the years have included John Zorn, Glenn Ferris, Herb Robertson, and Mark Dresser. Berne has an instantly recognizable sax style that contains a skewed R&B sensibility coupled with a unique compositional approach. Bloodcount with Chris Speed sax, Michael Formanek bass, and Jim Black drums, is one of his strongest groups, and it serves as an outlet for his interest in extended-form pieces blending composed and improvised passages. Compositions for Bloodcount might run 30 to 40 minutes long but have a remarkable continuity and maintain an almost cinematic narrative flow. The group has released numerous recordings on JMT and Tim’s own Screwgun label, and the members are active in other projects. Chris Speed performs with the groups Pachora, Human Feel, Yeah No, and Trio Iffy. He’s also worked with Dave Douglas, Susie Ibarra, and Myra Melford. Jim Black leads his own post-rock band AlasNoAxis and performs in Pachora and Dave Douglas’ Tiny Bell Trio and Uri Caine’s Mahler, Bach, and Berio projects. Michael Formanek has worked with everyone from Freddy Hubbard to Baikida Carroll to the Mingus Big Band. He’s released four acclaimed ENJA recordings and a solo bass CD on Screwgun.