Here is the eight album on the Polaris Music Prize 2011 shortlist.
It is Colin Stetson‘s New History Warfare Vol. 2.
The album came out on February 21, 2011.
Being the only album that is instrumental (there are two tracks that are spoken word) and some considered the album “free” jazz.
Depending on how the grand jurors will vote. It’s a really difficult album to get into if you aren’t familiar with his work of music.
So my prediction is that he has a 99% chance of winning it.
Now three years later, Colin releases the follow which is Vol 2 of New History Warfare with the theme of Judges.
This time the album is on Constellation Records.
Listening to the album is far more daring than the last album.
This time he got alot of layering of the sounds.
Also there are some tracks like “A Dream of Water” which features vocals from performance artist Laurie Anderson and “Lord I Just Can’t Keep From Crying Sometimes” which features Shara Worden from My Brightest Diamond.
Vol.2 seems to be his most boldest work at the moment.
Best tracks on Vol 2.
- Judges
- The Stars in His Head (Dark Lights Remix)
- From No Part of Me Could I Summon a Voice
- A Dream Of Water
- Home
- Lord I Just Can’t Keep From Crying Sometimes
- Clothed in the Skin of the Dead
- Red Horse (Judges ll)
- The Righteous Wrath of an Honorable Man
- Fear of the Unknown and the Blazing Sun
- In Love and in Justice
I’d give Vol.2 a 9/10.
Overall listening to both albums, it is like an explosion on the ears and minds when he infuses his Saxophone.
I know his music may not be up to people’s standard of Jazz music.
