Review: Jacob Collier at Bristol Sounds
Something magical for everyone
Musical prodigy Jacob Collier mesmerized the crowd with his multi-instrumental talents at the Canons Marsh Amphitheatre in Bristol as part of the Bristol Sounds series of open-air concerts. Despite a long wait, the audience was captivated by Collier’s performance, proving that the anticipation was well worth it.
Awaiting the Musical Sorcery
The atmosphere at Canons Marsh was filled with a mix of young and old music enthusiasts patiently waiting for Jacob Collier’s performance. The crowd remained calm, responding to DJ Louis Cole’s set with twice the energy he exuded. The sight of twelve different instruments on stage, including a massive Steinway and Sons piano being tuned, heightened the excitement.
As the waiting continued, the anticipation grew stronger. However, any gripes about standing in the sun for an extended period immediately dissipated when Collier took the stage. In a whirlwind of energy, he raced through three songs before addressing the crowd with a mix of rap and hypnotic, chime-infused jazz. Unpredictable and enthralling, Collier seamlessly leaped from one instrument to another, showcasing his joyful and methodical madness.
Musical Odyssey
With a charismatic charm, Collier engaged with the audience, constantly switching instruments and surprising the crowd’s expectations. At one point, he played the lead guitar while simultaneously banging out a chord on the piano with his foot, before swiftly switching to the tambourine. In another instance, he concluded a song by hurling a mallet at a gong hidden in plain sight in a giant ‘JC’ on stage.
Collier’s setlist included major hits like ‘Hideaway’, ‘All I Need’, and a dreamy acoustic rendition of ‘The Sun Is In Your Eyes’. The lack of tonal order in the setlist added to the element of surprise, taking the audience from bluesy jazz to soulful ballads without warning. Additionally, Collier delighted the crowd with alternately funky and original renditions of ‘Somebody to Love’ and a harmony-rich version of ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’.
During the slower songs, the audience held a reverent silence, afraid to disrupt the enchanting spell woven by Collier’s performance. Despite concerns that his music may be too complex for the average listener, the crowd was entranced, regardless of their level of musicality.
The Power of Crowd Involvement
Collier’s concerts are known for their viral moments of crowd involvement, and he made sure to include these in his performance. The audience participated in simple crowd conducting, singing a single note and following Collier’s instruction. In these moments, the power of making music with others washed over the crowd, creating an ethereal and indescribable feeling.
However, the nature of crowd involvement at Collier’s shows may limit the experience in larger venues. The subtler instruments and intricate elements of his music may get lost in open-air settings and larger crowds. For now, Collier’s performances are best enjoyed in closed rooms with relatively smaller audiences.
A Memorable Finale
Collier’s boundless energy remained consistent throughout the show, and as he left the stage, the crowd eagerly chanted for an encore. He returned in a tiny car and ended the night with an intimate rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’. The emotional impact of the performance was evident as some in the audience were moved to tears. The evening concluded with the crowd joyfully leaving the venue in a spontaneous conga line to ‘September’ by Earth, Wind and Fire, leaving a heart full of memories.
While Jacob Collier’s music may not be for everyone, his concerts undoubtedly offer a magical experience that transcends musical preferences. The fusion of outstanding musicianship, crowd engagement, and Collier’s infectious energy makes his live performances a must-see for any music lover.
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Details
Words by: Hannah Rachel Abraham
Published: 24 June 2023
Keywords: Jacob Collier, Bristol Sounds, live performance, music sorcery
<< photo by Marcela Laskoski >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
