Saxamaphoooooone. Saxamaphooooooooooone. The immortal words of Homer J. Simpson (circa 1995) have been echoing in my mind for the last couple hours, and it’s not just because I’ve spent an absurd amount of time watching classic Simpsons lately. No, but seriously, why hasn’t the show been cancelled yet? Given the genius on display during its former years, the newer seasons (whose horribleness I’m convinced of, despite my relative unfamiliarity) only serve to tarnish its reputation. Attention: narcissistic show writers, as well as the network heads at Fox — put the damn show out of its misery already!
Back to saxamaphones. Last Friday, saxophonists Colin Stetson (of Arcade Fire and New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges fame) and Mats Gustafsson (The Thing, Fire!) released Stones, courtesy of Rune Grammofon in Europe. The album’s four tracks were recorded live at the 2011 Vancouver Jazz Festival, during which Stetson and Gustafsson (figuratively) fused their powerful lungs and improvisational minds for a performance that was, reportedly, wholly synergistic. As Gustafsson recalled, “It was completely magic. All was there, the communication, the interaction, the music, the mystery…” Bands can claim a unique degree of musical cohesion all they want, but when two talented saxophonists do the same, I’d say that’s particularly noteworthy. Expectations prior to listening: high.
Stones is out now in Europe and is slated for North American release on January 8, 2013.
Stones tracklisting:
01. Stones That Rest Heavily
02. Stones That Can Only Be
03. Stones That Need Not
04. Stones That Only Have
• Colin Stetson: http://colinstetson.com
• Mats Gustafsson: http://matsgus.com
• Rune Grammofon: http://www.runegrammofon.com