Even when playing to a crowd of thousands at the Newport Folk Festival, Kristian Matsson formed an intense, intimate connection with his audience. During his overcast Friday set, the Swedish songwriter who performs as The Tallest Man On Earth drew listeners in with a combination of highly personal lyrics and irresistibly rollicking guitar. ("I guess I write a lot of songs about breaking up, but sometimes you have to dance through your break-up," he remarked before stomping through "Darkness of the Dream" from his latest album, Dark Bird Is Home.) When a few bright rays peeked through the clouds midway through his set, it was hard not to imagine that Matsson had summoned the sunshine back.
Set List
Credits
Audio: Joshua Rogosin, Suraya Mohamed and Monique Mizrahi; Photography: Adam Kissick.
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