The Sublime And is a live double album by saxophonist Tim Berne's Science Friction which was recorded in Switzerland in 2003 and originally released on the Thirsty Ear label.Tim Berne discography, accessed October 17, 2014Thirsty Ear catalog, accessed October 17, 2014 The album was rereleased in 2007 along with Berne's 2002 Science Friction album as part of the Screwgun Records compilation Mind Over Friction.
Reception
The AllMusic review awarded the album 4½ stars calling it "an exhilarating, moving, and very accessible concert, which will leave the listener much as it must have left the concertgoer: awestruck".Lynch, D., Allmusic Review accessed October 17, 2014 The All About Jazz review said that "The Sublime And... is a strong addition to the Berne catalog, sure to be welcomed by fans. And for newcomers, it provides a nice entry point, displaying Berne's compositional and playing aesthetics with longtime musical cohorts".Fitzell, S. P., The Sublime And Review All About Jazz, November 13, 2003 Writing in The Guardian, John Fordham called it "a remarkably accessible piece of uncompromising new music from undoubtedly the best group Tim Berne has ever led".Fordham, J., The Guardian Review, October 17, 2003 Pitchfork's Chris Dahlen said "this is the strongest record he's made yet with an electric band-- and it's one of the fiercest and importantly, most inventive performances he's captured. The Sublime And is essential for anyone looking for exhilaratingly original jazz music." Writing in JazzTimes Mike Shanley stated "Whether Berne emits clipped, octave-jumping phrases or agonized wails, he's never anything short of spellbinding. Why, after more than two decades of albums, he hasn't been given greater recognition for his work is anyone's guess".Shanley, M., JazzTimes Review, March 2004
Track listing All compositions by Tim Berne except as indicated
Disc One: "Van Gundy's Retreat" - 10:43 "The Shell Game" - 23:59 "Mrs. Subliminal/Clownfinger" - 30:18
Disc Two: "Smallfry" (Berne, Craig Taborn) - 6:17 "Jalapeño Diplomacy/Traction" - 20:15 "Stuckon U" - 19:14
Personnel Tim Berne - alto saxophone Marc Ducret - guitar Craig Taborn - Fender Rhodes, laptop, organ Tom Rainey - drums
References