Berne calls this band
Caos Totale, and if it doesn't quite achieve that lofty goal, it comes close enough to provide a fine mix of rich, involved compositions and lusty, almost rockish, improvisations. One of
Berne's songwriting trademarks has been lengthy pieces (often exceeding 30 minutes) with multiple themes that emerge and disappear in an organic but unpredictable way, and this is clearly on view here. Pieces begin in one place but invariably end in another area entirely, but the ride is quite scenic.
Berne's band is remarkably strong and imaginative, bolstered for this occasion by
Django Bates on keyboards. There a few rhythm teams more powerful than
Dresser and
Previte, and they propel this ensemble mightily, especially when the groove becomes
Mingusian and
bluesy which, happily, is often the case. Guitarist
Marc Ducret is given the lead much of the time and his
noise-oriented playing is the perfect complement to the surging, breathing quality of the pieces. But things always come back to
Berne's compositions. Each has its own character, each tells a story and takes as much time as necessary to ensure the story is told with the proper level of detail. In many ways,
Berne seems to pick up on groundwork laid by his teacher, the great composer/saxophonist
Julius Hemphill, and takes things to the next stage, walking the fine line between deep composition and inspired improvisation. One of
Berne's best efforts. ~ Brian Olewnick
