I have been interested in singer-songwriters lately, particularly those that are blending their sound with classically trained composers, such as Nico Muhly. There are countless folk musicians out there, fusing their mellow, introspective temperament with the austere and complex harmonies of up and coming “post classical” composers. However, I want to talk about one who is not doing this.
Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, known as The Tallest Man on Earth, has been sticking to a more raw and simplistic folk-revival. Although he is obviously a super talented and complex musician, he has embraced a pure approach to his music, opting not to collaborate with others and instead to stick with what works: his captivating voice and his guitar.
Some of his guitar riffs sound like those done previously by Harry Taussig or Bert Jansch, showing that he has taken a lot from both American blues and English folkstyle, but his voice is something new to me. His voice, along with his impressive guitar skills, are a complete package. I guess some people think he is trying to emulate Bob Dylan. I just think I like him better than Bob Dylan.
Here is a great track, "The Wild Hunt," from an impressive album that he just released "The Wild Hunt:"
