The Tallest Man On Earth (from the album Henry St.

The Tallest Man On Earth (from the album Henry St.

The Tallest Man On Earth (from the album Henry St. available on Gardener Songs/Anti-) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
To date, Sweden’s Kristian Matsson has produced nine albums under the banner of The Tallest Man on Earth, and in the process, he’s established a branding for a sound that’s both irresistible and intriguing by the same measure. While his muse is mostly his own, his new album, Henry St., finds him working with a musical ensemble fully capable of supporting his aims and ambitions. That collective currently consists of producer Nick Sunburn, guitarist, ukulele, and lap steel player Ryan Gustafson, drummer TJ Maiani, Adam Schatz on sax, keyboardist Phil Cook, Bon Iver’s CJ Camerieri on trumpet and French horn, and Bon Iver’s Rob Moose arranging the strings.
 
Nevertheless, despite the additional accompaniment, Henry St. retains the classic calm and sedate settings Matsson’s earlier albums all achieved. The enhanced arrangements add interest, but never overpower the proceedings to any great degree.
 
As a result, songs such as “Bless You” and “Looking for Love” share a generally peaceful vibe, a mindset well in keeping with the album overall. The gentle lilt of “Slowly Rivers Turn”, the mellow mood of “Goodbye”, the sedate sentiments of “New Religion”, and the inviting title track itself all affirm Matsson’s contemplative approach.  It allows Matsson to fully vet his mediative mindset in ways that effectively underscore his immediate intent. While he makes it a point to muse on topics that are both personal and profound, The Tallest Man On Earth also manages to lure his listeners through a quiet caress while effectively enhancing the appeal.
 
Although Henry St. may be too subtle and subdued as far as making any inroads into the musical mainstream, there’s an obvious allure that’s all but impossible to ignore. Granted, Matsson may refer to himself as The Tallest Man On Earth, but he creates a sound that’s rarely out of reach. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of The Tallest Man On Earth from AMAZON
For more information, please visit The Tallest Man On Earth website