From the editor: A musical and physical feat: Colin Stetson

One of the main draws of live shows is the diversity and breadth of art that we can witness. One night might see the expert interplay of grizzled old hands in tune with one another in a band for example, whereas another evening might brim with a more anarchic and vital experimental energy from an artist on their first large scale tour.

Colin Stetson live resides in the skilled musician nook of performance, with a pure, stark show that sees him playing saxophone with no looping or backing of any kind. His Duke of York’s concert on Sunday 1st September opened with the most traditional looking saxophone from his assortment, from which emanated a ghostly shimmering melody hovering over a more rhythmic underpinning in ‘Spin Drift’. You should check out this video (bit.ly/2iVHZFV) to give you an idea of the sound.

It is certainly a physical feat of circular breathing to create such a wealth of tones, but the beauty of the beguiling soundworld is the most important thing for me to convey. This is not a case of twiddling technicality over melody, but rather a rare fusion of musicality aligned with an impressive physical performance.

Stetson straddled a massive bass saxophone for the astonishing ‘Judges’, a thunderous, plodding elephantine brass beast of a song (bit.ly/2eqYe9C), whereas ‘Between Water And Wind’ was a more percussive, Immigrant Song channeling rattle of a number.

The hour long concert was gripping throughout, and Stetson’s ability to hold a large crowd’s attention, with their myriad tastes and predilections was testament to the quality of a singularly brilliant performer. Catch him live as soon as possible.

Joe Fuller
editorial@thelatest.co.uk