New History Warfare, Vol. 3: To See More Light

Improviser and composer Colin Stetson's solo work is characterized by dense sheets of saxophone/woodwinds that present a similar approach as loop-based music while being recorded in single live takes with no overdubs. This unique and challenging discipline calls on elements of jazz, modern composition, and even aspects of repetition and textural drone found in certain branches of electronic music and noise. With New History Warfare, Vol. 3, Stetson explores scorched landscapes and heavenly scenes alike with his stylized playing. He spent time collaborating with Bon Iver, and singer Justin Vernon returns the favor and contributes his signature falsetto vocals to four songs here -- these vocals are the only overdubs on the album, though detailed production by Ben Frost would lead listeners to believe otherwise. ~ Fred Thomas