What makes Feign by Tim Berne notable?

Feign received critical acclaim for its bold experimentation and complex arrangements, solidifying Berne's reputation as a leader in contemporary jazz. The album was recognized for pushing boundaries within the genre, influencing a new wave of improvisational music and prompting discussions about the future direction of jazz. When Feign was released in 2005, Tim Berne was already a notable figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, known for his innovative compositions and collaborations. This album followed his acclaimed work, such as 2003's The Color of Memory, showcasing his continued evolution as a composer and bandleader within the genre.

Feign works well if you're into cerebral exploration of sound, intricate rhythms demanding attention and late-night immersive listening experience.

How many songs are on Feign?

Feign has 8 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Feign

Tim Berne · 2005

51 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A labyrinth of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexities, intertwining free jazz improvisation with structured composition.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
i do it (for brookti) — Opening the album with a vibrant yet introspective exploration, this track sets the stage for Berne's intricate compositional style while featuring dynamic interplay among musicians.
→
mechanicals failure — This piece exemplifies Berne's ability to blend structured chaos with lyrical moments, showcasing both technical prowess and emotional depth.
→
BG....uh....OH — With its playful title and spontaneous sound, this track encapsulates the album's adventurous spirit, revealing Berne's knack for humor interwoven with musical complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Feign showcases intricate compositions and improvisation that challenge listeners while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The album features extended compositions, with several tracks exceeding seven minutes, allowing for intricate development of themes.
Improvisation is interwoven with structured sections, creating a dynamic contrast between free-form playing and composed passages.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

cerebral exploration of sound
intricate rhythms demanding attention
late-night immersive listening experience
dynamic shifts in pacing
thought-provoking musical conversations

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: When Feign was released in 2005, Tim Berne was already a notable figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, known for his innovative compositions and collaborations. This album followed his acclaimed work, such as 2003's The Color of Memory, showcasing his continued evolution as a composer and bandleader within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Dave Douglas· John Zorn· Henry Threadgill