Tim Berne and Michael Formanek Announce New Album Parlour Games, Out Next Friday
Live-recorded in 1991, the duo's long-anticipated album captures the roots of their influential collaboration
Parlour Games
by Tim Berne and Michael Formanek
Label: Relative Pitch
Recorded 1991
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Saxophonist Tim Berne and bassist Michael Formanek are set to release their long-awaited album Parlour Games next Friday, October 18, via Relative Pitch Records. Recorded live at The Parlour in 1991, this album captures the duo at a pivotal moment in their collaborative journey, years before their first official duo album Ornery People in 1998. On Parlour Games, Berne plays alto and baritone saxophones, while Formanek’s contrabass grounds the improvisational landscape.
Parlour Games gives listeners a glimpse of the early dynamic between Berne and Formanek, two musicians whose work together has since become a cornerstone of contemporary Jazz. Berne, known for his intense, knotty compositions, and Formanek, a bassist celebrated for his versatility and melodic instincts, have long been key figures in the avant-garde Jazz scene. Over the decades, both have pushed the boundaries of Jazz improvisation, whether as part of ensembles like Berne's Snakeoil or Formanek's work with the Thumbscrew trio.
The six-track album, featuring compositions by both musicians, showcases their early exploration of angular rhythms, dense harmonics, and unpredictable interplay. The release promises to be a significant addition to Berne and Formanek's discographies, offering listeners a chance to hear the beginnings of a partnership that would go on to shape much of their future work. Parlour Games is a must-listen for fans of free Jazz and improvisational music.
Track Listing:
Beam Me Up; Ho' Time; Quicksand; Not What You Think; O My Bitter Hen; Bass Voodoo.
Personnel
Michael Formanek • Contrabass
Tim Berne • Alto and Baritone saxophones