When We Were That What Wept for the Sea

by Colin Stetson

When We Were That What Wept for the Sea cover art

'When We Were That What Wept for the Sea' showcases saxophonist Colin Stetson’s virtuosic command of circular breathing and multiphonics, creating immense, layered soundscapes of melody and percussion live without the use of loops or overdubs. Recorded as a tribute to his late father, the album functions as a cinematic meditation on grief, using the bass saxophone's full sonic range to evoke a vast, oceanic journey through sorrow, chaos, and catharsis. The work integrates Stetson's own guttural vocalizations and features contributions from Scottish smallpipe player Brìghde Chaimbeul, adding to its haunting and elemental atmosphere.

Genres

  • Post-Minimalism

Tracklist

  1. The Lighthouse I
  2. When we were that what wept for the sea
  3. Infliction
  4. Passage
  5. Long before the sky would open
  6. One day in the sun
  7. Fireflies
  8. The Lighthouse II
  9. The Lighthouse III
  10. Writhen
  11. The surface and the light
  12. The Lighthouse IV
  13. Behind the sky
  14. Wrathful seas quiesce
  15. The Lighthouse V
  16. Safe with me