Saxophonist and composer Tim Berne has been performing internationally since 1982, declared “a saxophonist and composer of granite conviction” by The New York Times, with releases on ECM, Soul Note, Sony, and Intakt records. His angular compositions were recently recorded by guitarist Gregg Belisle-Chi on a solo album Koi, and the two musicians join here for a duo set of Berne’s compositions. They are joined on tour by guitarist and composer Gordon Grdina, performing his own interpretation of Berne’s music on solo guitar and oud to open the evening.

Tim Berne & Gregg Belisle-Chi

Tim Berne has been performing internationally since 1982 with various ensembles including Caos Totale, Fractured Fairy Tales, Bloodcount and Snakeoil among others. He has made over 50 recordings as a leader for labels such as Soul Note, Sony, JMT, ECM and Intakt records.

Gregg Belisle-Chi is an Asian-American guitarist and composer living in Brooklyn, New York. Described by the New York Times as “a subtle stunner,” his work draws from the spaces between the spiritual and the analytical, the ethereal and the tactile, inviting listeners to a place of pause and reflection; music that “oozes beauty both in concept and execution, making us luxuriate in its immersive sonorities.” (Part-Time Audiophile)

Their debut duet Album Mars is out on INTAKT Records

“A guitarist of impeccable technique and broad imagination…” -Nate Chinen

“The great enjoyment of listening to Tim Berne songs comes largely from them being puzzles that challenges your ears to put together, making the tenth listen as fresh as the first one. Gregg Belisle-Chi has mastered Berne’s idiosyncratic language and on Mars he helps to place some of those puzzle pieces together, in real time. And the more of a Tim Berne’s song is revealed, the more brilliant it comes across.” – Something Else Reviews S. Victor Aaron

Gordon Grdina

Gordon Grdina is a JUNO Award (Canadian Grammy) winning oud/guitarist whose music spurs constant genre exploration throughout avant-garde jazz, free form improvisation, experimental rock, and Arabic music. His singular approach to the instruments has earned him recognition from the highest ranks of the jazz/improv world.

“Like the great athlete who sees the action ahead of him unfold in advance, Gordon Grdina has advanced powers of anticipation. A virtue no less crucial when he plays by himself” -All About Jazz Doug Collette