Colin Stetson Unveils New Album, 'The Love It Took to Leave You'
The saxophonist's first solo full-length album in seven years.
The Love It Took to Leave You
by Colin Stetson
Label: Envision
Recorded: Early 2023 at The Darling Foundry, Montreal
Released: September 13, 2024
Colin Stetson’s The Love It Took to Leave You marks his first solo release since 2017, a haunting and emotionally charged album recorded at Montreal’s historic Darling Foundry. Known for pushing the limits of the saxophone, Stetson utilizes his signature circular breathing technique, which allows him to play continuously without pausing for breath, and an array of microphones to capture the visceral intensity of his playing. The title track, which Stetson calls a “love letter to self and solitude,” sets the tone for an album that’s all about reflection and raw emotion.
Over 11 tracks, Stetson explores themes of loss, resilience, and transformation, with the Foundry’s brick and steel architecture enhancing the music’s percussive and resonant qualities. Standout pieces like “The Six” and the 20-minute “Strike Your Forge and Grin” highlight his ability to blend brute force with moments of delicate beauty. The Love It Took to Leave You is a masterclass in sound and storytelling, a deeply personal work that reaffirms Stetson’s place as a singular voice in experimental music.