Sufjan's magical, mysterious Austin extravaganza
23/09/06 21:21
By SAM LADACH-BARK
Sometimes music can move and affect us in unexpected ways. It can give us joy, sadness, fear and devotion. The right combination of a softly plucked banjo and a rising violin melody can put hairs on the back of one's neck. Music affects us all in different ways. For some it is nothing more than a pleasant distraction, but for others it is the language of emotion.
On Saturday, Sept. 16, Sufjan Stevens plus musicians brought musical expression to life for a sold-out crowd in Austin at the Paramount Theatre. At their disposal were strings, percussion, brass and one of the most talented aspiring singer/songwriters of our time.
Sufjan Stevens, though already in his mid-thirties, shares one of the most celebrated and vibrant careers in indie music. Commonly associated with the modern indie folk revival, his multi-instrumental bands make bold, heart-stopping statements. He has six full-length albums to his name and is a co-founder of asthmatic kitty records. But he's stated publicly that this is just the tip of the iceberg for his career. With the release of 2003's Michigan and the widely acclaimed 2005 release Illinois, Stevens began a project of epic proportions. He plans to write and record an album for all 50 United States, which in interviews has fluctuated between utmost sincerity and sardonic laughter. Rumor has it that Minnesota or perhaps Rhode Island will become his next project.
His performance, which he did twice in Austin, was nothing short of breathtaking.
Opening duties were wonderfully and affectionately filed by My Brightest Diamond,who left heart tracks on the audience. Fronting the group is Shara Worden, longtime backup vocalist for Stevens, who played selections from her new album Bring me the Workhorse.
The Paramount, with its vintage acoustics and angelic paintings, became the perfect settng for this asthmatic kitty double-feature performance. When it was Stevens' turn, perhaps it was the Paramount's theatrical atmosphere that led him onto the stage wearing silk eagle wings. His band, "The Cinese Butterfly Brigade" as he called them, was clad in pastel-colored butterfly wings.
Throughout the performance, the audience was treated to Stephens' adorable stage presence and selections from Michigan, Seven Swans and Illinoiis. His full-bodied throng of musicians played and followed his every note with perfect clarity and timing, adding depth and strength to Stevens' soft poetic lyrics. Breaths and applause were held until the very last note of each song was barely audible.
The highlights of the night included his performance of "Casimir Pulaski Day" from Illinois. On the album it's a very powerful minimalist track featuring little more than strings, backup vocals and Stevens' doleful words about almost falling in love. When the rest of the group got ahold of this song, however, it changed character, transforming into a powerful celebration of life.
He also introduced a new song titled "Majesty Snowbird," which proved to be one of the most energetic and beautiful numbers that evening. With his encore performance of "Chicago," the crowd relived the first moments they fell in love with Stevens' music. His voice, weaving in and out of violins, drums, trumpets and piano keys, never had a more triumphant moment.
After the last note was played, he stood there frozen in front of an instantaneous standing ovation stretching over two balconies and 1,300 people. I'm not sure he knew what to do with himself. I'm not sure the crowd did either, but we kept on clapping and cheering.
For more information on Sufjan Stevens' fall 2006 tour, go here.
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