What makes Incidentals by Tim Berne notable?

Incidentals received critical acclaim for its adventurous spirit and intricate arrangements, showcasing Berne's unique approach to jazz. It has been noted for its contribution to the avant-garde jazz scene, influencing emerging artists seeking to explore similar improvisational pathways. When Tim Berne released Incidentals in 2017, he was establishing a strong footing in his career as an innovative voice in contemporary jazz. This album followed his well-regarded work with the band Snakeoil, solidifying his reputation for pushing the boundaries of jazz composition and performance.

Who is Incidentals for?

Incidentals works well if you're into sprawling exploration of ideas, immersive late-night concentration and patient unfolding of themes.

How many songs are on Incidentals?

Incidentals has 5 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Incidentals

Tim Berne · 2017

64 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A complex interplay of avant-garde jazz and expansive improvisation, weaving intricate narratives through spontaneous soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sideshow — Clocking in at over 26 minutes, this track serves as the centerpiece of the album, demonstrating Berne's capacity for extended improvisation and thematic development.
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Hora Feliz — The opener sets a compelling tone with its dynamic shifts and rich textures, immediately engaging listeners with Berne's inventive style.
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Incidentals Contact — This track exemplifies the collaborative energy of Berne's ensemble, showcasing intricate interactions and collective improvisation that define the album’s ethos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong improvisational elements, making it distinctive within avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album features five tracks, each varying in length and complexity, with extended improvisational sections that allow for spontaneous interaction among musicians.
Each track begins with a distinct thematic idea before devolving into intricate, layered improvisation, often returning to the initial theme at the end.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

sprawling exploration of ideas
immersive late-night concentration
patient unfolding of themes
complex improvisations that engage

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer concise, straightforward tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: When Tim Berne released Incidentals in 2017, he was establishing a strong footing in his career as an innovative voice in contemporary jazz. This album followed his well-regarded work with the band Snakeoil, solidifying his reputation for pushing the boundaries of jazz composition and performance.
Stylistic neighbors: Dave Douglas· John Zorn· Henry Threadgill