Communication Theory

Communication Theory

ASIN: B00004TKEE

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
David Berkman has been sneaking up on us, quietly documenting a unique body of compositions (1998's Handmade was a fine beginning). This new recording is filled with challenging works that evoke other musics, but do so cleverly and deceptively. As soon as you think you've spotted a neo-Tristano theme, it rhythmically morphs into something that Mingus would have liked. Likewise, when you're sure that you can hum one of his melodies, it takes you into a place you hadn't noticed before. Communication Theory is cleverly programmed, with the near-blues "Blutocracy" leading to "Colby" and "Interesting, Perhaps, But Hardly Fascinating Rhythm," two pieces with a feel for Monk's forms (though not sounding very Monkish). Then comes "Blue Poles," a sinewy take on the Jackson Pollack painting; next, the first of three studies he calls "Communication Theory," etc.

What is perhaps most striking about this recording is the way in which Berkman's compositions draw the best out of the musicians he works with. Here, it's saxophonists Chris Cheek, Steve Wilson, and Sam Newsome benefiting from Berkman's craft, and all three offer up some of the finest playing of their lives. If this were a time when the stores--and our heads--weren't so full of middling recordings and the press wasn't asleep, this recording would be recognized for what it is: the arrival of a very important new voice. --John F. Szwed

From Jazziz
Pianist David Berkman's debut album, Handmade, was one of the left-field success stories of 1998, a highly acclaimed disc of quirky, engaging new music from a bright young composer who'd worked his way up from sideman status. It's a tough act to follow, but with Communication Theory, Berkman cements his position as a musician to watch closely.

Returning from Handmade are the crack rhythm team of bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Brian Blade - a first-call pairing seldom heard together - and the versatile alto and soprano saxophonist Steve Wilson. Joining the frontline this time are soprano player Sam Newsome and tenorist Chris Cheek (who also doubles on soprano). Berkman seldom deploys all of his reedmen at once; when he does, it adds variety to his textures, heft to his freewheeling melodies, and density to his piquant harmonies.

Berkman strikes an expert balance in his setlist, mixing odd-metered, uptempo tunes like the Ornette-ish "Interesting, Perhaps, But Hardly Fascinating Rhythm" and the boozey swerve of "Blutocracy (Blues for Bluto)" with poignant, thoughtful ballads such as "Colby" and "Remission." The ballads, especially, recall the harmonic expertise of Herbie Hancock and Kenny Kirkland. It's heady music, but hardly cerebral - Berkman's compositions feel natural, unforced, and concise, and there's nothing at all theoretical about the communication going on between these outstanding players.

--- Steve Smith, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Communication Theory,David Berkman,Palmetto Records,Jazz,Jazz Music,Piano,Pop,Post-Bop

Average customer rating: Glorious, as always Guts and Glory Oh Yes, this cd is a must! You call this "Dance Music?" Puhleeeeeeeeeeeeze.

A Theory of Evolution Global Communication Manufacturer: Tvt ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Techno-House | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 76:14 Double Fine Zone Fabric 26 The Campfire Headphase Emit Ecaps ASIN: B000003RH2 Release Date: 1995-05-17

Tracks:

1. Perverted Science
2. Birth Of A Disco Dancer
3. Waltz With
4. Sexomatic
5. Send A
6. Peschi
7. Election
8. Ptysch
9. The Biosphere
10. Nemm
11. Larynx
12. Royal Wedding
13. Amazon Amenity
14. Archetype Arcadian
15. The Book
16. QA: 752 : LP
17. Public Funk (Live)
18. Antacid
19. Winna
20. A Tribute To Peter Cook

Customer Reviews:

Glorious, as always.......2001-05-21

Guts and Glory.......2001-01-06

Oh Yes, this cd is a must!.......2000-11-12

You call this "Dance Music?" Puhleeeeeeeeeeeeze........1999-06-16

Average customer rating:

More Communication, Vol. 1 Ipso Facto Manufacturer: Atomic Theory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Reggae | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Carry On, Vol. 2 Best of Ipso Facto ASIN: B000001DPE Release Date: 1993-12-03

Tracks:

1. Fighting
2. Soldren
3. Root Funk
4. Sweet Harmony
5. Stand Up
6. All Rise
7. No Cocaine
8. Communication
9. Walk On By
10. The System
11. Desire
12. Burnin'

Average customer rating: Only a Theory excelente...

Communication Theory David Berkman Manufacturer: Palmetto Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Leaving Home Start Here, Finish There Handmade The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings: Eighth Edition (Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings) ASIN: B00004TKEE Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

1. Blutocracy (Blues For Bluto)
2. Colby
3. Interesting, Perhaps, But Hardly Fascinating Rhythm
4. Blue Poles
5. Communication Theory #1
6. Really Little Waltz
7. Weird Knock
8. Communication Theory #2
9. Back In The 90's
10. Remission
11. No Crosstalk
12. Communication Theory #3

Amazon.com

What is perhaps most striking about this recording is the way in which Berkman's compositions draw the best out of the musicians he works with. Here, it's saxophonists Chris Cheek, Steve Wilson, and Sam Newsome benefiting from Berkman's craft, and all three offer up some of the finest playing of their lives. If this were a time when the stores--and our heads--weren't so full of middling recordings and the press wasn't asleep, this recording would be recognized for what it is: the arrival of a very important new voice. --John F. Szwed

Customer Reviews:

Only a Theory.......2001-02-08

Berkman is definitely the star of the show here. All the tunes are his originals, and he solos extensively. He does not seem particularly interested in writing memorable melodies, but he improvises them in quantity. Aside from "Really Little Waltz" and "Interesting, Perhaps...", the heads are no more than a riff or two repeated a couple of times, but the solos more than make up for it. Berkman always has ideas on tap, some short, some more extended, but ones that always make sense. His playing can take on a dreamy quality ("Remission"), have a concentrated intensity ("Back in the 90s") or be lyrical and melancholy ("Colby"). He is a technician capable of shredding with the best of them, but he indulges only rarely, putting thoughtfulness ahead of speed.

The rest of the band is unfortunately less praiseworthy. No complaints about drummer Brian Blade. He is firmly in the Tony Williams camp, and he keeps things swinging in a distinctly Milesian vein. Bassist Ugonna Okegwo seems to keep up well, but his being lost in the mix and a comparative lack of solos (he takes one) makes it difficult to say much about his playing. It is the saxophonists that made me scratch my head.

Chris Cheek on tenor and Steve Wilson on alto seem to be stuck doing the Coltrane thing most of the time, and... well, the execrable obsession on the part of so many contemporary players with being Coltrane copycats has been well documented. Soprano player Sam Newsome can be delightfully melodious ("Really Little Waltz"), and on "No Crosstalk" he gets a unique, clarinet-like tone, demonstrating excellent control of the instrument. Other times, however, he insists on climbing into the stratosphere of the upper register and staying there until he runs out of notes and chokes.

All in all, "Communication Theory" is not a bad record and is definitely worth hearing. Whether you want to invest in a copy is a much less unequivocal decision.

excelente..........2001-01-28

This quote, coming from one of the most creative jazz musicians ever, definitely applies to David Berkman. As a member of this new generation that is pushing at the boundaries of music today, Berkman probes the boundaries between structured and free music. The results have a beauty that comes from this musical investigation. The compositions on this album, all written by Berkman, show the breadth of his jazz knowledge and maturity. In his second album as a leader, David Berkman, backed up by five more of today's young, inquisitive, and intelligent jazz-men, is solid and intellectually admirable.

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