Theoretically Explained

Theoretically
Type:studio
Artist:Tim Berne & Bill Frisell
Cover:Theoretically.jpg
Border:yes
Released:1984
Recorded:Aug–Sept 1983; Aug 1984
Studio:High Rise Sound; First Choice Studio, NYC
Genre:Avant-garde jazz, downtown music
Length:48:48
Label:Empire
Producer:Bill Frisell, Tim Berne and Jon Rosenberg
Chronology:Tim Berne
Prev Title:Mutant Variations
Prev Year:1983
Next Title:Fulton Street Maul
Next Year:1986

Theoretically is an album by alto saxophonist Tim Berne and electric guitarist Bill Frisell originally released on the Empire label in 1984, and again on Minor Music in 1986 with a bonus track recorded at the original sessions. The original features three compositions by Berne, two by Frisell, and one joint composition; the bonus track on the 1986 edition is a composition by Berne.[1] [2] [3]

Reception

The Allmusic review by Daniel Gioffre awarded the album 3 stars stating "The overall feel of this record puts it almost into ambient territory, as Frisell's volume swells and Berne's upper register squeals blend into a single fabric of weighty yet spacious sound. It is a place where melody emerges almost as a surprise from a strangely menacing backdrop of pure atmosphere... It all works, no doubt about it, but there is room to question the quality of the source material. Overall, this is a good, if not particularly great, album from two musicians at the top of their game.".[4]

Track listing

Original Release

  1. "M" (Frisell, Berne) – 6:04
  2. "Inside the Brain" (Berne) – 8:30
  3. "Preview" (Berne) – 4:06
  4. "Caroline" (Frisell) – 3:32
  5. "2011" (Berne) – 16:17
  6. "Perky Figure" (Frisell) – 2:42

1986 Reissue

  1. "M" (Frisell, Berne) – 6:04
  2. "Inside the Brain" (Berne) – 8:30
  3. "Preview" (Berne) – 4:06
  4. "Caroline" (Frisell) – 3:32
  5. "Ground Floor" (Berne) – 7:37
  6. "2011" (Berne) – 16:17
  7. "Perky Figure" (Frisell) – 2:42

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. https://timbernebillfrisell.bandcamp.com/album/theoretically Bandcamp album listing
  2. http://nyds-discographies.com/berne.htm Tim Berne discography
  3. http://www.jazzlists.com/SJ_Label_MinorMusic.htm Minor Music discography
  4. Gioffre, D. Allmusic Review accessed June 13, 2011