What makes Open, Coma by Tim Berne notable?

Open, Coma was well-received by critics, with notable reviews highlighting its ambitious structure and innovative sound. The album contributed to the growth of avant-garde jazz in the early 2000s, influencing contemporary musicians who seek to blend free jazz with structured composition. When Tim Berne released Open, Coma in 2001, he was already an established figure in avant-garde jazz, known for his complex compositions. This album followed his previous works and furthered his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist, showcasing his unique approach to improvisation and ensemble dynamics.

How many songs are on Open, Coma?

Open, Coma has 4 tracks, running approximately 148 minutes.

Open, Coma

Tim Berne · 2001

148 min · 4 tracks · jazz

An expansive exploration of improvisational jazz, weaving intricate melodies through extended compositions that challenge traditional song structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Open, Coma — The title track serves as a centerpiece, illustrating Berne's mastery of long-form improvisation and thematic development across its nearly half-hour duration.
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Eye Contact — This track showcases a dynamic interplay between musicians, marked by its ebb and flow, revealing Berne's ability to orchestrate tension and release within extended dialogues.
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The Legend of P-1 — With its intricate layers and sophisticated harmonic language, this piece exemplifies Berne's signature style and challenges listeners with its unpredictable shifts.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's complex structures and improvisational depth make it a standout in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisational sections, often exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
The album employs a non-linear structure, with melodies that shift unexpectedly and frequently return to earlier motifs.
Instrumentation varies significantly between tracks, with different combinations of saxophones, bass, and drums creating distinct soundscapes.

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: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.