Colin Stetson: Those Who Didn’t Run (Constellation, 10/4/11)
Colin Stetson: “Those Who Didn’t Run” (excerpt)
Saxophonist Colin Stetson‘s distinctive reed work can be found in the music of Tom Waits, TV on the Radio, and Arcade Fire, among many others. His latest full-length solo album, New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges, was released in February of this year, and now he’s back with a 10-inch EP, Those Who Didn’t Run. Armed with bass and alto saxes and some advanced breathing techniques, Stetson creates heavy, droning horn sounds that are as post-rock as they are avant-garde jazz.
The two tracks on Those Who Didn’t Run were recorded in a single take and run just over 10 minutes apiece. Whereas the title track (excerpted above) is drawn in pulsating minimalist strokes, “The End of Your Suffering” rides an off-kilter, high-pitched riff throughout, with occasional aberrant flourishes. With such breadth of texture and pitch, it’s hard to believe that you’re hearing horns.
Following this release, Stetson will embark on a year-long tour as part of Bon Iver‘s live band.