Many people are fans of Colin Stetson but they just might not know it. He made his debut in 2008 with “New History Warfare Vol. 1”. Now two years later he is back with his follow up appropriately titled, “New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges.” The album begins with the track titled, “Awake on Foreign Shores.” It grabs the listener with a blast! It brought to mind whales calling to each other. It definitely wakes up the senses and demands that notice be taken.
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Colin Stetson | 
"New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges"
(Constellation)
Released December 26, 2010
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This is Stestson’s second solo album and his first on the Constellation label. Steston has been on the scene for some time now although mostly in the background opening for bands like Arcade Fire and The National. Stetson’s unique style of playing truly makes him stand out among many of today’s jazz horn players. He composes and performs otherworldly songs that combine a mastery of circular breathing technique with percussive valve-work and reed vocalizations, making a polyphonic solo music that combines influences as diverse as Bach, early metal, American pre-war Gospel, and the explorations of Jimi Hendrix, Peter Brotzman and Albert Ayler.
Next on the album is “Judges.” This song is ultra-funky, and the beat grabs you right off the top. It really had a techno feeling to it that feeds the energy and awakens the senses. The horn is so remarkable in this piece that you get the feeling that it has a voice of it's own, which really, under Stetson's magical guide, it does. Just as you're tingling away with this piece, it goes to the next track, called “The Stars in His Head (Dark Lights Remix). “ From funky and techno, we now head into new age. This piece pulses and throbs. It builds and builds and reaches a climactic point where it really leaves a mark in the imagination. Stetson's horn playing skills in these songs are very powerful. Strong and sultry, raw and skilled. It truly feels like traveling to another world...another time...another place. It is easy to tell that this is a seasoned musician who has gleaned musical inspirations from many other talented musicians of his time and from the past.
The music on “New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges” was captured entirely live in single takes at Montréal's Hotel2Tango studio, with no overdubs or looping, using over 20 mics positioned close and far throughout the live room. That creative drive toward pushing the envelope musically shows on every single track of the album.
As the album continues, one word comes to play, over and over again: haunting. One cannot help but feel this emotion as the music plays. For any “Lord of the Rings” fans, you'll find some of Stetson’'s pieces could fit right into the score of those epic masterpieces. Some of the tracks on the album seem to bring a certain sadness out of the music. The haunting, epic tone of the album might just bring tears to the eyes of some listeners. Truly mesmerizing. Stetson's musical masterpieces bring to mind regal, royal and majestic sensations.
As track after track plays on, the senses rise to high alert. This is not music that tells you how to feel, but on the contrary, it brings out amazing new feelings. Most of the pieces are instrumentation only, but there are four tracks with spoken words, and with singing. These guest vocals were provided by Laurie Anderson and Shara Worden. This album is a symphony of the senses. It goes from haunting, to a piece like “From No Part of Me Could I Summon a Voice,” which was frantic, manic and frenzied. His music touches upon all parts of the human emotional scale.
Again, we jump to a piece with an entirely different spin on it. Track eight, “Lord I Just Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes” began with a foghorn sound that immediately demands attention. It then quickly becomes reminiscent of an old-time spiritual hymn, but with a modern horn backing it up. This piece has a real New Orleans feel to it, and what impresses, is the message it reveals. “You bear my burden away...Lord I just can't keep from crying sometimes.” As this piece heads toward the end, it too, picks up the pace and becomes more and more frenzied.
From one emotion to the other, the album jumps to track nine, and this one welcomes a happy, joyful feeling. It was breathtaking really, listening to Stetson’s range. Stetson is Master of the Horn. That is for sure.
Although there are 14 tracks on the album some are very short and over in a blink. Others are longer and with more substance.
Another highlight on the album is track 11 “ Red Horse (Judges 11). “ From the second this song starts, the drums reach out and grab you. Again, this piece is fuel for the soul. Feeds the beast inside. It makes you want to dance, move, get up and lose oneself. This is, as before, a piece that builds and builds and doesn't let you down at the end.
Listening to the album was quite an experience. Not the kind of music I would necessarily be drawn to hear, but I have to say that it was illuminating and intriguing...It truly does startle the senses. I hope that you will give it a shot. Who knows where Colin Stetson may lead you.
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Written by Guest on 2011-01-18 12:30:13
 nice review!!!! Very excellent writing!!!! RK |
Written by Guest on 2011-01-19 12:49:55
This sounds pretty good. I'm always interested in new and different sounds and according to the review, it should be quite the experience.
I like hearing about the haunting nature and the techno beats. That sounds exciting, as does the raw power.
And Laurie Anderson makes an appearance! How cool is that!
I'm interested. |
Written by Guest on 2011-01-20 09:23:43
Love how you say that the music takes you places, I feel the same, I'm hooked, can't wait to give it a listen...
Krista  |
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