After compelling contributions to ECM discs by David Torn and Michael Formanek, here is Tim Berne's first leader date for the label and his first studio record in eight years. Snake oil introduces a fascinating ensemble, a chamber-like group in Berne's words, albeit one that packs some power. Tim's clear alto is heard with Oscar Noriega's earthy clarinets, Mat Mitchell's cryptic piano, and Ches Smith's tone-conscious drums, tympani, gongs and congas. Two years of wood-shedding preceded the recording of Snake oil at New York's Avatar Studios early in 2011, and the band was ready to roar. The album highlights Berne's compositional style original and avant-garde yet perhaps more accessible on this outing.