Standing Under Bright Lights
| Standing Under Bright Lights | |
|---|---|
| 📅 Released | April 16, 2021 |
| Venue | Montreal International Jazz Festival – Club Soda |
| Studio | The Upper Room Studio |
| ⏳ Length | 110:00 |
| 🏷️ Label | Hopeful Tragedy |
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Standing Under Bright Lights is the first live album by Alex Henry Foster. It was released internationally on April 16, 2021 through Hopeful Tragedy Records. This album features the entirety of Alex Henry Foster's first concert at the Montreal International Jazz Festival held on July 5, 2019. It includes the live rendition of every song from his album Windows in the Sky, performed by an 11-piece band. The concert took place approximately six months after the album's release that debuted at No. 3 on the Canadian Top 200, and stayed on the top 40 for a year after its initial release.[1] Windows in the Sky was nominated for "Best Album of the Year" in Canada by l'ADISQ.[2]
Background
The concert was to be a one-time event as an homage to Foster's late father, who had passed five years prior to cancer. The concert took place in a sold-out venue as part of the 40th Montreal International Jazz Festival and consisted of the performance of the entire album Windows in the Sky, by an 11-piece band and was accompanied by a movie projection produced by Foster.[3]
Originally set to be released on October 8, 2020, his late father's birthday, Foster took time to produce the album, Standing Under Bright Lights, featuring the never-released song "The Son of Hannah", during the 2020–2021 pandemic.[4]
American Songwriter describes the title as "a more euphemistic title depicting Foster's renewed creative state of mind", as it "reveals the artist most exposed. It's the essence of Foster's emotional journey, reflected outward for the first time."[5]
Production
The album is a recollection of nine songs played live by an 10-piece band alongside Alex Henry Foster at their July 5, 2019 performance at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. It includes the live renditions of the songs featured on the album Windows in the Sky, and the never-released song "The Son Of Hannah". The live performance was accompanied by a song by song projection on screen.[6]
It was mixed and mastered by Ben Lemelin at the Upper Room Studio, in Quebec, Canada and released through Alex Henry Foster's independent record label, Hopeful Tragedy Records, and Sony Music Entertainment, The Orchard in 2021.[7]
Musical style
Alex Henry Foster is known for doing post-rock, progressive type of music. The album, Standing Under Bright Lights, is made of live renditions of the songs from the album Windows in the Sky, giving a new touch to the initial versions of the songs. Le Devoir wrote, "Think Pink Floyd visiting Radiohead".[8] Glide Magazine wrote that "Alex Henry Foster has earned his due and has helped transcend post-rock into a realm of prog possibilities encompassing the world where Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree meet Godspeed You! Black Emperor."[9]
Singles
The song "The Son of Hannah" was the first single launched to introduce the album at the beginning of 2021. It got featured around the globe, with Rolling Stone labeling the album's lead single as "simply fascinating".[10] BrooklynVegan premiered the music video for the song, stating that it "builds slowly to an intense, towering finish".[11]
The song was produced with Ben Lemelin, Foster's longtime creative partner and co-producer on the album Windows in the Sky[7] and was recorded live in front of a sold out Club Soda as Alex Henry Foster headlined the Montreal International Jazz Festival[12]
In an article in the Prog, Foster said about the song[7]: "The Son of Hannah is as much of a cathartic metaphor to my father's tormented and distressed nature as it is a vibrant homage to a man who dedicated his life to emancipate himself from his inner demons, to find everlasting rest within, to make peace with his past and shortcomings while embracing an inevitable defeat to the implacable essence of cancer."
"It's an intimate reflection on personal struggles to keep faith alive in moments of great despair, an acknowledgment of our deepest need in times of hopelessness. But most of all, it's the poignant testimony of a man's redemption that led to his son's forgiveness and untimely inspired him to find his own way of being free, whatever it may mean."
Alongside "The Son of Hannah", "Winter Is Coming In" was the second single released and both of them have received hundreds of thousands of plays across numerous playlists.[13]
In an article in Prog, Foster spoke about the writing process of the song "Winter Is Coming In":
"I don't have much of a writing method when it comes to lyrics, if for the fact that I usually have to complete enough of a song's body in the same draft to actually consider adding it to my writing book". "I always find it difficult to trust an emotion that requires sessions and sessions of writing and rewriting. I'm not talking about looking for the right word or defining a more honest way of expressing myself – this comes in the "live" writing sessions. But I never really insist if I'm unable to find what I call the source. But sometimes, not finding this source haunts me. And Winter Is Coming in is one of those songs."[14]
Glide Magazine premiered the music video for this second single, describing it as "a vivacious take that is transcending with cryptic electricity that spirals and unravels serendipitously."[9]
"this is a release of such absolute quality, such exquisite poise…It is an absolute statement piece that, if there is any justice, will place Alex Foster Henry into a place where he will be rightfully regarded amongst the creme of emerging talent on the world stage." – Uber Rock[15]
Reception
Alex Henry Foster's performance was highlighted among five performances not to miss at the Montreal International Jazz Festival by Radio-Canada.[16] This two-hour concert is considered among the best concerts ever performed at the festival.
The 2021 release of Standing Under Bright Lights was featured in the issue 118 of March 2021 of Prog[17]. It was also talked about by the Rolling Stone magazine, Brooklyn Vegan,[18] CCM Magazine[19] and the Montreal Gazette mentioned Foster as an "Artist to watch in 2021".[20]
Standing Under Bright Lights obtained a 4.5 stars review by Le Devoir[21] to 5 stars reviews in press outlets worldwide.[22]
"This is the kind of live album that used to establish artists in the seventies" – Vancouver Sun[23]
"[Standing Under Bright Lights] captivated concert-goers every second with improv, emotions, darkness, poetry laden lyrics, spoken word vocals and experimental music that transported everyone in attendance to a different plane." – American Songwriter[24]
"An Intimate, Impassioned, Astonishing record." – Metro UK[25]
"Standing Under Bright Lights is ... a mesmerizing experience. ... the event feels vibrant, it grips you even…" – Le Soleil[26]
"one of the most dedicated and passionate works of art from a musician in recent memory." – Interview Under Fire[27]
"Standing Under Bright Lights: An Intense and Genuine Journey" – Journal de Québec / Journal de Montréal[28]
Track listing
- "The Son of Hannah" (3:34)
- "The Pain That Bonds (The Beginning Is the End)" (8:49)
- "Winter Is Coming In" (11:19)
- "Shadows of Our Evening Tides" (19:25)
- "The Hunter (By the Seaside Window)" (21:18)
- "Snowflakes in July" (14:32)
- "Summertime Departures (Sometimes I Dream)" (12:55)
- "Lavender Sky" (6:25)
- "The Love That Moves (The End Is Beginning)" (8:27)
Personnel
Alex Henry Foster & the Long Shadows
- Alex Henry Foster – vocals, guitars, Moog, percussions
- Ben Lemelin – guitars, drums, vocals
- Jeff Beaulieu – bass
- Sef Lemelin – guitars, keyboards
- Miss Isabel – keyboards, vocals
- Charles "Moose" Allicie – drums
Additional musicians
- Karine Bouchard – cello
- Andrew King – trumpet
- Sheenah Ko – keyboards, vocals
- Mat Vezio – drums, percussions
Additional vocals
- Momoka Tobari – "The Hunter (By the Seaside Window)"
- Allen Ginsberg – "Shadows of Our Evening Tides"
Charts
One week after its release, Standing Under Bright Lights charted at No. 6 in the ARIA Charts,[29] marking Alex Henry Foster's debut in the Australian charts.[30]
In the UK, it reached No. 4 in the "Top 20" of the Official Independent Album Breakers Chart,[31] No. 13 in the "Top 50" on the Official Independent Albums Chart[32] and No. 32 in the "Top 100" of the Official Albums Sales Chart.[33]
The live album charted at No. 4 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart,[34] No. 18 in the Emerging Artists chart[35] No. 31 in the Current Album Sales chart[36] and No. 55 of the Album Sales chart,[37] with FYI Music news confirming that the album scored the highest album sales for the week.[38]
The week of April 30, 2021 to May 6, 2021, "Standing Under Bright Lights" made its Irish charts debut at No. 17 in the "Top 50" of the Official Irish Albums Chart,[39] and was the most downloaded album of the week.[40]
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA)[41] | 6 |
| UK Independent Albums (OCC)[42] | 13 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[43] | 32 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard)[44] | 4 |
| Billboard Charts (Emerging Artists) | 18 |
| Billboard Charts (Current Album Sales) | 31 |
| Billboard Charts (Album Sales) | 55 |
References
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster's 'Standing Under Bright Lights' Impacts Billboard Sales Charts Worldwide Amidst Global Acclaim". April 27, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Les nominations du Premier gala de l'ADISQ 2019". Le Canal Auditif. September 17, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster Reveals "The Son of Hannah," off Upcoming Live Album and Film 'Standing Under Bright Lights' - American Songwriter". americansongwriter.com. February 4, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ↑ February 2021, Jerry Ewing11. "Alex Henry Foster releases video for The Son Of Hannah from the Montreal Jazz Festival". Prog Magazine. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ↑ Benitez-Eves, Tina (February 2021). "Alex Henry Foster Reveals "The Son of Hannah," off Upcoming Live Album and Film 'Standing Under Bright Lights'". American Songwriter. Retrieved February 2021. Check date values in:
|access-date=(help) - ↑ Leclerc, Yves. "Standing Under Bright Lights: une aventure intense et authentique". Le Journal de Québec. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 February 2021, Jerry Ewing11. "Alex Henry Foster releases video for The Son Of Hannah from the Montreal Jazz Festival". Prog Magazine. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ "Standing Under Bright Lights, Alex Henry Foster". Le Devoir. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 https://glidemagazine.com/254641/video-premiere-alex-henry-foster-goes-cryptically-bold-on-chilling-winter-is-coming-in/
- ↑ Rédaction, La (February 14, 2021). "La playlist de la Rédaction #130". Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ "Watch Alex Henry Foster's "The Son of Hannah" video from upcoming live album/film". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster Releases "The Son Of Hannah" Video". February 12, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster Releases 'Standing Under Bright Lights' Triple-Vinyl / Double-CD, Concert Film". www.louderthanthemusic.com. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ March 2021, Jerry Ewing14. "Alex Henry Foster releases live clip of Winter Is Coming In". Prog Magazine. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ https://uber-rock.co.uk/alex-henry-foster-standing-under-bright-lights-hopeful-tragedy-records/
- ↑ ICI.Radio-Canada.ca, Zone Arts-. "5 vedettes à (re)voir et 5 artistes à découvrir au 40 e Festival de jazz de Montréal". Radio-Canada.ca. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ↑ March 2021, Jerry Ewing14. "Alex Henry Foster releases live clip of Winter Is Coming In". Prog Magazine. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ↑ "Watch Alex Henry Foster's "The Son of Hannah" video from upcoming live album/film". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ↑ "StackPath". ccmmagazine.com. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ↑ "New year, new light: Our writers pick some of the Quebec artists to watch in 2021". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
- ↑ "Standing Under Bright Lights, Alex Henry Foster". Le Devoir. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ Friswell, Sean (April 15, 2021). "Alex Henry Foster and the Long Shadows - 'Standing Under Bright Lights' Album Review". 3songsandout. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ Derdeyn, Stuart (April 9, 2021). "5 things to know about McCartney III Imagined by Paul McCartney". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster Confronts Grief with Improvisation in Montreal". American Songwriter. April 6, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ News 8 February 2021 16, #Flashartmark (May 2, 2021). "Alex Henry Foster's Standing Under Bright Lights Impacts Billboard Sales Charts Worldwide Amidst Global Acclaim". R o c k 'N' L o a d. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ "Le Soleil – "Standing Under Bright Lights" review | Alex Henry Foster & The Long Shadows". April 18, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster – Interview Under Fire". interviewunderfire.com. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ Leclerc, Yves. "Standing Under Bright Lights: une aventure intense et authentique". Le Journal de Québec. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". aria.com.au. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "London Grammar grab first ARIA #1 album with Californian Soil". aria.com.au. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Official Independent Album Breakers Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". officialcharts.com. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50 | Official Charts Company". officialcharts.com. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Official Albums Sales Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". officialcharts.com. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster". Billboard. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster". Billboard. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster". Billboard. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster". Billboard. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Justin Bieber Is Back at No. 1". FYIMusicNews. April 26, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Official Irish Albums Chart Top 50 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ "Dermot Kennedy reclaims Irish Number 1 album with Without Fear". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Alex Henry Foster – Standing Under Bright Lights". Hung Medien.
- ↑ 23, 2021/131/ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart.
- ↑ "Alex Henry Foster Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard.
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