Big Satan

Live In Cognito

Label: Screwgun Country: USA

"[...] Livein Cognito isn't Big Satan's first live recording, but given that this trio has convened at irregular intervals for a over decade, it's undeniably its best. Unlike Tim Berne's other groups-Science Friction, Hard Cell and the wholly improvisational Paraphrase-Big Satan is a more democratic collective which splits compositional duties between the saxophonist and guitarist Marc Ducret. Ducret is a charter member of Science Friction, as well as two earlier Berne groups, Bloodcount and Caos Totale, so there's plenty of shared history that gives both writers an equally shared vision in providing material for Big Satan. Tom Rainey has been Berne's exclusive drummer of choice for ten years, and while he may not contribute formal composition, he's an equal partner when it comes to shaping the trio's sound.

It's a surprisingly big sound for a group that has nothing anchoring the bottom end. Bass-less groups are hardly unique these days, but Big Satan has always differentiated itself through its complete avoidance of apportioning out what might be considered a bassist's role amongst its members. Rainey often anchors the trio rhythmically when the emphasis is on form; but regardless of the composer, it's usually so idiosyncratic that one may feel a pulse, but most will be challenged to actually define it."-John Kelman, All About Jazz