snobb Tim Berne's debut on Portuguese Clean Feed label contains material,recorded 14 years ago. Recorded live in studio, these tapes were never released before.

I am familiar with big part of Berne's discography and have a mixed feeling towards his music. First of all he is skilled musician and improviser and almost every his recording contains some experimentation.He collaborates with leading avant-garde jazz musicians so his music is always of high quality. But at the same time (even if I really like many of his moments) I often felt like being interesting his music lucks some small magic to be really great.

This album is one between his better jobs for me - being a bit sharper and with bigger attention to emotional field and not technical complexity this release makes one step towards listener.

Just two long compositions presented on this album are not all unheard. "Open,Coma" was released still in 2001 on the album of the same name,recorded by Tim in Scandinavia with Copenhagen Art Ensemble. But the version, presented on Insomnia is seriously different and I like it much more.

All collaborators team,participated on recording of this album, is really great. Excellent French guiatrist Marc Ducret unusually for him plays acoustic 12-strings guitar here. Together with violinist Dominique Pifarély and NY downtown cellist Erik Friedlander (well known by his collaboration with John Zorn)build strong stings-based sound,based on complex improvs more than on just orchestration though.

Being still far not easy accessible this release has a bit more soul in it and makes Berne's music even better.