Tim Berne's Bloodcount: Unwound

In his mid-60s, Tim Berne, always a prolific producer of incredible experimental jazz, dating back some four decades, decided to ramp up his releases in 2020, issuing several recordings during the pandemic.  Dedicated to his music and uncompromising in his vision, Berne has been a remarkable and fascinating figure, working with all kinds of ensembles and in small duo and trio settings, churning out just amazing music.

One of his more impressive projects is Bloodcount, in which the alto and baritone sax master is joined by Chris Speed on tenor sax and clarinet, bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Jim Black.  This three-disc set, released by Berne's DIY Screwgun label, of live recordings in spring 1996 from Berlin and Ann Arbor, Michigan allows for Berne's ideas to be stretched out, more fully developed and, ultimately, richer because of the incredible interplay and brilliant solo work found throughout.

The shortest track here, "Loose Ends" is thirteen minutes and "What Are the Odds?" is well over forty minutes, but all of these pieces have their individual segments in which group interaction, solos, points of intensity and then of introspection are so well played and projected that the music never drags.  The quieter (if often foreboding) passages provide a break and contrast from the powerful sections and Berne's uniquely angular approach to composition and group dynamics always guarantee suprises and interesting twists and turns.

Berne and Speed are compelling in their harmonization and their soloing, during which the other horn player often riffs in interesting ways.  Black is a dynamic present behind the kit, playing thunderous and often highly complex solos, while always beautifully supporting the others.  Formanek is perhaps the glue that holds all this together with his amazing and supple presence and really interesting solos.  Berne has always been masterful in juxtaposing power and ambience and making the most of group interplay and Bloodcount and this set represent the best of how this is manifested live.