This 1993 release for the Italian Soul Note label signifies one of those lightly marketed gems that may have gotten lost in the grand mix of modern jazz-style fare. Here, three of the most prominent figures in the area of new jazz coalesce for a shrewdly focused and compactly organized excursion. And while many folks recognize Tim Berne for his alto saxophone work, the artist performs on baritone sax throughout many of these pieces. Brimming with pumping lines and regimented unison choruses, the band pursues circular rhythms amid subliminally devised underlying themes as they surge onward with quietly energetic motion. With the piece titled "Lowball," the trio renders march-like progressions and linear movements in concert with subtly stated, blues-drenched themes, whereas they kick up a storm via bop-related overtones and swing motifs on "Beam Me Up." Simply put, Loose Cannon should be deemed essential listening for each of these three musicians' legions of fans. Recommended. - Glenn Astarita
"The trio context of saxophone, bass and drums is perhaps the nesting ground of player's worth, in which all the elements of style come into sharp focus. Rhythmic subtlety, harmonic and melodic invention, tone, articulation, improvisational skills it's one of the purest platforms for one's conception, and only the most personal of players can survive the ordeal because every note is out front and there is no room for coasting..."
(from the CD's liner notes by John Zorn)
Tracks
1. Almost Normal
2. The 12 ½% Solution
3. Fool's Paradise
4. Lowball
5. Broken
6. Beam Me Up
7. Fibrigade (For Django Bates)
8. Tilt
TIM BERNE baritone saxophone, alto saxophone
MICHAEL FORMANKE bass
JEFF HIRSHFIELD drums
Recorded 26-28, 1992 at Barigozzi Studio, Milano
Soul Note - 121 261-2