Customer Reviews

Big Satan

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Violent, free, beautiful, and human. I could not find better words.

These men are actually playing a much too much exciting music. I don't know if jazz remains the best descriptor.

Winter & Winter is a new label designed for this kind of strange guys. Read their catalog, and if you came to Big Satan via Tim Berne, look for Marc Ducret's other records.

I put off buying this CD for a long time because there was no bass player on it. I prefer to listen to music with a solid low end on it and although I liked the three musicians on this recording I passed on it. Then I started listening to other configurations where the low end was being held down by a cello, a tuba, or organ pedals. Thus prepared, I bought this CD. I listened to the whole thing - through headphones - and not once did I ever think about the missing bassist. The way Berne, Ducret, and Rainey interact on this recording is amazing. It's like a polyrhymic melody/exercise in counterpoint. Adding another musician would only make the sound more dense; in this configuration there is room to hear each player individually as well as collectively. Very lively and complex. Recommended for adventurous jazz fans.

The first time I heard this album (the day I bought it) I thought - "oh, wow, just what I expected, all improvising." Granted I was doing some other things while listening - at the time. After giving the album my full attention, I began to hear the details of compositions and I was floored at the complexity and dexterity of the musicians playing them. Wow! I'm still getting my teeth into this one - and I just saw these guys perform live at the Knitting Factory (June 6th 2003) and they were stunning! Incredible! The magic really comes across live. Do not miss out, order this album now!

"I think they liked it honey" (actual title) - I know I did.

At a long 77 minutes, this set should come as no surprise to long-term Berne fans; he frequently stretches out in order to complicate, redefine, and intrigue. This set, notable for its inclusion of *genie francais* Marc Ducret on guitar, is similar in methodology, but unique in texture.

Berne doubles on baritone and alto, and provides lines clear and brittle like Jimmy Lyons or Julius Hemphill. Also, as drummer Tom Rainey is often involved in rupturing the rhythm and then congealing it, Berne is often forced to keep the pulse while inventing new melodic shells- almost like an R&B horn section finally trying to explain the ugly truths underneath its veneer. Throughout, Ducret never shies from flipping his switch to eleven and bouncing cagily through the proceedings. He provides a surprising flavor that sits satisfyingly in the belly.

Overall, challenging long-form tunes with enough twists, dives, and truths to reward repeated listenings.

just a note that the above review is based on "ornery people" not the BIG SATAN release we are here to review....can someone fix this oh yeah...by the way BIG SATAN ROX THE CASBAH>! they do not need a bass....they have DAvid Torn!!!!! mix master on the microphone {not really]..but here they just have fun filled conversations once they are done playing Berne's "melody trivia games"