Threshold is an all-star band comprised of Seattle improvised music scene veterans. Organized by Don Berman, the group assembled for a free-ranging recording session in 2023, and their self-titled first album together is the result.

This project is the manifestation of a musical vision Berman has held for years. His late father, William Berman, was a master violist who performed extensively in symphonic and string quartet settings. Having listened to so much of his chamber music playing, Don decided he would would form a 21st century string quartet. In his words: “I took the liberty of choosing cello, two guitarists, percussion, and creative electronics, as opposed to the classical two violins, viola, and cello format. Heather, Simon, Dennis, and I decided this would be an exciting musical adventure.” The music was freely improvised in one long afternoon, engineered by Jamie Jones and later mastered by the superb Alan Jones. The album has 6 movements and is full of surprises and a wide range of moods and textures, “often challenging listeners to identify the sources of the unique sounds they are hearing.” 

Meet the members of Threshold:

Drummer Don Berman has performed with a long list of Seattle's top jazz artists and improvisers since migrating there after college percussion studies. His most recent previous recording credit is Ascension Northwest, a large ensemble work he composed in honor of John Coltrane.

Heather Bentley is among the Pacific Northwest’s most active improvising musicians. She’s also a classically trained violist and cellist, one-third of Right Brain Records artist CHA, and co-founder of Kin of the Moon, a nonprofit organization which fosters collaboration between artists in service of creating unique art.

Guitarist Dennis Rea has performed internationally with his own groups like Moraine, as well as such trailblazing musicians such as Hector Zazou and Hawkwind members Nik Turner and Michael Moorcock, and many others. He has appeared on over 50 recordings.

Guitarist Simon Henneman has made a name for himself as an improvisor and experimentalist in Seattle’s creative music scene.