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J-A-C-K-S-O-N! What does that spell? JACKSONVILLE! Well at least on the Sufjan Stevens Team Spirit Tour it did. I caught one of the stops of this phenomenal production at the 930 Club in Washington D.C. The venue was perfect for the intimate nature of Sufjan’s music. Fans of Sufjan know that he pours a lot of himself into his music and that’s what endears him to so many. The coupling of his sound with the club’s atmosphere was absolutely perfect. The first thing I noticed when looking at the stage was the way array of instruments: xylophones, drums, trumpets, trombones, guitars on and on. I began to get really excited because this was the first time I had ever seen Sufjan and  I wasn’t sure if he would bring his full mini orchestra but confronted with this visual confirmation; I knew that we would be treated to the layers of sounds we have come to love from his last two albums (Come On! Feel the Illinoise! and Michigan). Upon closer look there was something peculiar on the stage. Behind each instrument was sheet music. Yes sheet music at a rock concert! At that point I knew this show would be mind blowing, boy was I right. 

Opening for him was label mate Half-Handed Cloud. I had never heard music by this artist before but after one show I was sprinting to the merchandise table to pick up a couple of his albums. The best way to understand Half-Handed Cloud’s sound  is to try to imagine what Simon & Garfunkel would sound like if an evangelical version of Will Ferrell wrote their lyrics. John Ringhofer is a very talented musician he played all the instruments himself mainly: guitar, banjo and piano, sometimes all three in one song, sometimes two and the same time. Yes I’m serious! You really need to check this guy out live.

When Sufjan and the Illinoise Makers finally took the stage the crowd was in a frenzy of anticipation. The band came out in cheerleader garb and an inflatable Superman doll that would show up again later in the set. The first song they played was an unreleased song that can be heard at www.sufjan.com. Fans have called it “The Fifty States” but there is no official title for it yet. It translates well into a live setting full of energy and bounce for sure! After that great intro the real Illinosie began. First off was the epic “The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders.” The piano part was handled quite masterfully by Sufjan. His backing band showed their artistic prowess as well, with each song they switched instruments (the rhythm section stayed the same for the duration of the production): the xylophone player would play piano, then guitar. The trumpet player would jam on guitar, then piano, and so forth. To lighten the atmosphere the band would do funny cheers for the various cities mentioned on the new album (Come On! Feel The Illinoise!). Uproarious laughter busted from the audience during these cheers. 

Near the middle of the set they performed the best version of the “Star Spangled Banner” that I have ever heard. Tears were literally in my eyes during this song and pretty much all the rest of them. “William Gacy Jr.” was the penultimate tear-jerker of the evening by far. The message of the song hits extra hard in a live environment, its focus on the depravity of us all quieted the whole gathering. “Chicago” was the composition most changed that night. The tempo was slowed down tremendously, the affect that had was amazing. It turned it into a slow building prayer. The trumpet / trombone player (sorry I don’t know his name) nearly stole the show. He was on all night long driving each and every note home. Luckily I was right down in front next to him so that I could better hear the sonic blasts he delivered. I could go on and on about how wonderful this show was but I’ll sum it up with one sentence. Life changing….I felt God’s presence in D.C. that night. When Sufjan sung “Lamb of God / to us Your Ghost Is born” I totally felt that in my spirit. I’m sure I wasn’t the only either. The melodies and rhythms that were heard that night transcended anything physical. I hope what we heard that night was the beginning of a new direction for worship music. Music that is creative from the start, that engages both mind and heart. On September 27, 2005 I most certainly felt the Illinoise! I hope you all get a chance to as well.
 

Aaron Anderson   10/25/2005
 

The Fifty States

The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders
Prairie Fire That Wanders About
Decatur, or Round of Applause For Your Stepmother
The Star Spangled Banner
Casmir Pulaski Day 
William Gacy Jr.
A Good Man Is Hard To Find
Chicago
Jacksonville
The Predatory Wasps Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!
The Man Of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts
 

Encore

Happy Birthday
To Be Alone With You 
 

In addition to writing for Phantom Tollbooth, Aaron also independently writes poems, devotionals and more about the human condition. To read more of his writings or order some of his books go to: www.aaroncanderson.us.