Colin Stetson: New History Warfare Vol. 2 Judges

Colin Stetson
New History Warfare Vol. 2 Judges
Rating: Woof Daddy

I am by no means an expert on jazz music, and make no claims as such. I appreciate a lot of jazz music, and know what I like and what I don't like. So I find it very difficult to review this record, seeing as I have no real background in the genre to say definitively whether this record draws from certain influences or strikes out on its own blazing path. In my limited exposure to jazz I would definitely say this record stands on its own two feet, and is one of the most remarkable albums I have heard this year.

Colin Stetson is saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist who uses a multiphonic and circular breathing technique to create haunting loops of sound, most of which are done all in one take, with relatively few overdubs. Listening to his compositions it is amazing that all of this is done by one person at one time. Jaw droppingly amazing is the phrase that consistently comes to mind.

"Judges" gives a good overview of the album's sound. Stetson's sax begins in low rumbles, letting him build upon it with skronks, wails, and blurts, always in complete control of where the sound is going:



My favorite track is the liquidy and haunting "The Stars In His Head (Dark Lights Remix)" which steadily builds in intensity and focus:



His amazing breath control is highlighted in the gorgeously hypnotic "From No Part Of Me Could I Summon A Voice," and the equally mesmerizing "The Righteous Wrath Of An Honorable Man." The majority of commentary is, however, going to focus on his collaborations. Specifically, the two tracks with avant-garde musician Laurie Anderson, who provides spoken word passages to "A Dream Of Water" and "Fear of The Unknown And The Blazing Sun:"





Anderson's voice fits well with the structured chaos of Stetson's compositions. It would be nice to hear a full album of collaborations between them. My favorite collaboration on the record is with singer Shara Worden, whose gorgeous mezzo-soprano evokes many emotions on the spiritual "Lord I Just Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes:"



New History Warfare Vol 2 Judges is a difficult record, I will admit, and is definitely not for everyone. With that said, however, if you are in an adventerous mood and are willing to open up your mind a bit, this record will be transcendent. Stetson's muscular and intense way of playing the saxophone is mind-blowing and this record will stick with you for a long time. Highly recommended.

Rating Guide

Chilfos: masterpiece; coolest thing I've heard in ages.

Woof Daddy: excellent; just a hair away from being a masterpiece.

Grrrr: very good; will definitely be considered for my top albums of the year.

Yeah Daddy Make Me Want It: good; definitely invites further listens and peaks one's interest for more material.

Meh: not horrible, but certainly not great; could have either been polished, trimmed, or re-thought.

Jeez Lady: what the hell happened? Just plain bad. They should hang their heads in shame and be forced to listen to Lady Gaga ad nauseam as penance.

Tragicistani: so bad, armed villagers with pitchforks and torches should run the artist out of the country for inflicting this abomination on the human race.