Theoretically


Theoretically is an album by alto saxophonist Tim Berne and electric guitarist Bill Frisell, released on the Empire label in 1984, and again on Minor Music in 1986 with a bonus track recorded at the original sessions. The original features three compositions by Berne, two by Frisell, and one joint composition; the bonus track on the 1986 edition is a composition by Berne.

Reception

The AllMusic review by Daniel Gioffre stated: "The overall feel of this record puts it almost into ambient territory, as Frisell's volume swells and Berne's upper register squeals blend into a single fabric of weighty yet spacious sound. It is a place where melody emerges almost as a surprise from a strangely menacing backdrop of pure atmosphere... It all works, no doubt about it, but there is room to question the quality of the source material. Overall, this is a good, if not particularly great, album from two musicians at the top of their game."

Track listing

Original Release

  1. "M" – 6:04
  2. "Inside the Brain" – 8:30
  3. "Preview" – 4:06
  4. "Caroline" – 3:32
  5. "2011" – 16:17
  6. "Perky Figure" – 2:42

    1986 Reissue

  7. "M" – 6:04
  8. "Inside the Brain" – 8:30
  9. "Preview" – 4:06
  10. "Caroline" – 3:32
  11. "Ground Floor" – 7:37
  12. "2011" – 16:17
  13. "Perky Figure" – 2:42

    Personnel