The Tallest Man On Earth

Carried away by the euphonious melodies, like wind carrying the thunder and waves crashing upon the shore, Matsson’s voice resonates deeply in the embedded duality of the soul. Each instrument he so elloquetly strums becomes an extension of his being which translates to an intimate performance.

On a more personal note: I have quite the soul connection to him and his music. This show in particular was cathartic to state the least.
Ten years ago when he played in Santa Barbara, my soon to be lover was serendipitously at the same show and later down the road, we relished in delight that we each enjoyed the Tallest Man on Earth. His car had the “shallow grave “ album stuck on repeat for months and upon finally freeing the disk from the car’s capture, we played it for hours; dancing together playfully to his favorite tune “the gardener”. Four years ago, my love joined the night’s stars. Upon first awareness that Tallest Man in Earth , the elusive Kristian Matsson was coming to play an acoustic set a decade later, I instinctively purchased my ticket. When I arrived to my seat (albeit a tad late; Matsson acknowledged me by saying hello in between songs which warmed my heart), the seat beside me in the second row remained vacant the duration of the show. it was not planned fo, for I did not purchase the excellent seat for my parted love , I feel he was beside me in spirit the whole night, enjoying his favorite musician. Words can’t quite capture the depth of solace Matsson’s talent and creative being gifted me last night . I drifted in delight, laughed at the dialogue and I cried in cathartic release to feel home with my love for just this 2 hour set that changed my heart. Thank you Kristian Matsson for delivering an unforgettable and transformative experience. I am eternally your fan and friend

This show was a bit of a litmus test for me as to whether there would be any more Tallest Man shows in my future. I have seen him three previous times in Toronto. The first two shows were incredible. The last one was the highly dissapointing Massey Hall show. That was the first tour with a full band. Although it sounded good when he did the solo portions of the show the sound mix when the band played was absolutely horrible (sorry Massey Hall - I still love you). Beyond the unbearable sound mix, most of the arrangements done to accompany songs previously done as solo pieces were weak and uninspired.

I am happy to report that I am back on board. The sound at the Opera House was perfect both during the solo and full band portions of the show. Additionally the arrangements were much better. There was clearly an effort to make the band a backup to the main act which is and always should be Kristian and his guitar. Even the lighting was or seemed to be arranged to make this clear where for the most part Kristian was illuminated in the foreground and the band lit much more subdued in the background. I noted two songs where there was a significant rearrangement to go from solo to a full band performance that I remember thinking, eh not really working for me (can't remember the songs), but outside of those two tunes I thought everything else worked really well.

Based on this show I would definitely snatch up tickets to see him again the next time he comes back. Hopefully soon!

I'm at a loss for words... Still, i have to try and describe what i witnessed yesterday... A celebration of music, talent, songwriting... I've been to literally hundreds of gigs and tonight was different, it was special... The Tallest Man on Earth gave me, probably, THE most out of body experience i've had in my life in what concerns live music... It was as if i was experiencing what people must've experienced back in the day watching The Beatles or something like that... Sold out show... The attendance was all in sync and they sang, shouted, talked with Kristian... He played a song that wasn't in the setlist because someone asked at the right time... He didn't remember the song and forgot the lyrics and that made it even more special... The musicianship is out of this world, his stage presence is of a seasoned and talented entertainer... I don't know what more to say except the opener "The Tarantula Waltz" own Markus is also songwriting at it's best... Talk about a kickstart to the soul... This gig was, probably, the second in my life that i went to all alone... And i don't regret it one bit... Maybe it was meant to be... Again, one of THE most amazing experiences of my life... Thank you Markus from The Tarantula Waltz, Thank you Kristian from The Tallest Man on Earth...

Kristian Matsson, for that is the name of the man behind The Tallest Man On Earth, would like to be your 21st century Swedish Bob Dylan. He’s certainly got the voice and guitar playing for it, but his is a more full-throated roar than old Zimmerman’s mumblings – something you can hear on albums like The Wild Hunt, where you almost have to reach to turn down the volume such is the power of his vocal. Matsson is a folk musician, pure and simple. Whether he’s behind the piano or holding a guitar, he’s part of a traditional lineage – but that’s no bad thing. As a live experience, Matsson is likely to be found holding court on stage by himself, legs twisting and jerking, never quite standing still as he plays his songs both electric and acoustic. The finger-picked, open tuning beauty of ‘Love Is All’ is always like to be a highlight, Matsson’s voice dancing in and out between the chords. While that’s a subdued number, ‘King of Spain’ is more rousing altogether and is often a set closer. The Tallest Man On Earth will command silence from audiences throughout a gig, but he’s also a funny and engaging chap and all these elements combined should guarantee a good night.

Kristian Matsson, Swedish indie folk artist who performs under the pseudonym The Tallest Man On Earth, and despite his relatively average stature, performing live he grabs attention through his music rather than height. An inherently gruff vocal, Matsson's voice sounds almost identical to his recordings which is a difficult feat for any artist.

Stepping onto a sparse stage with guitar in hand, he captivates the audience from the offset with a combination of sorrowful narrative along with that indescribably emotive vocal. His work is often rather conceptual so the audience play close attention during a tender rendition of 'King Of Spain'. The aggressive twangs of 'The Gardener' get the audience clapping along to the beats as Matsson keeps the rhythm at a constant with his guitar.

Kristian remains inside his own little world during renditions of his work, yet he cannot remain unmoved to the huge applause he receives after each song. He thanks the audience profusely before wrapping up an engaging show with a wonderful version of 'Criminals' that had extended guitar instrumentals. A curious and creative live performer, perhaps one of Sweden's most intelligent indie artists.

His show started shortly after 8:30pm, the venue has great acoustics so his show being entirely acoustic, sounded amazing!! He sang and played various instruments through the evening...acoustic and electric guitars, bango, piano...his voice is incredible and so real and raw!

He did a funny bit at the beginning which was cute paired with his quirky stage presence.

Some fans were heckling a bit and getting a little too comfortable (or uncomfortable?) With the silent pauses and started to get a little annoying which he told them to shut the **** up!! That was pretty amazing. I love and appreciate a musician who is authentic and no bullsh*t. He played 2-3 encore songs which was anazing! He also changed up the rhythm a bit so his older songs sounded like his newer music but was awesome to sing along to some of his classics.

The venue was extremely warm as it was the first real wintery day in Toronto, so it was a bit uncomfortable. Love that this venue serves snacks haha

The Tallest Man on Earth is the stage name of singer and songwriter Kristian Matsson. Mattson has been performing since 2006 and specialises in folk music. On first appearances, Mattson does not seem like much. He is of average stature and, standing alone on a big stage, seems rather small in comparison. However, from the moment he starts strumming on his trusted guitar and opens his mouth to sing, you know that you’re in for something special. Like a one man Mumford and Sons, Mattson performs real, honest and good folk music. He has a wonder of a voice: his vocals are quite throaty but also stunning. He sounds exactly the same live as he does recorded, a feat indeed. He is also a talented musician, switching with ease between the piano and guitar. His acoustic sessions are as mesmerising as his electronic tracks. He commands the stage and the whole audience is hushed throughout the show, eagerly listening in and not wanting to break the spell, fearing to ruin the magic.

Such a beautiful concert.
Small venue, the crowd knew his songs well and would occasionnaly sing along... This alone, if the music is good, makes for a great night. But The Tallest Man made it special by playing and dancing like a crazy man, sweating to the point of getting his shirt completely wet (he actually broke one of his musician's electric viola by sweating on it... this is not a joke. Granted, it was way too hot in le Divan du Monde, but his incredible enthusiasm while singing and dancing did make things worse).
His musicians were great (2015 tour), especially the viola player, whose clear and beautiful voice, at the end of the concert, came as a complete surprise.
And the music is just as beautiful as you'd expect if you like his records, except he doesn't just sing them as on the album, there's always something different, making you hear the song anew.

You're not going to find a performer who is so willing and able to connect with himself and his audience in such a meaningful way. Yes, Kristian Matsson is entertaining. Yes, he's dynamic, virtuosic, and fun to watch. All this was hard won by his years as a solo performer (if you're the only one to watch... Well... You can't be boring) and fans now expect it. And, contrary to logic, the addition of a full band -- both on the album and in his shows -- allows him to be more tender, more personal, more intimate. Not less. With a little help from friends, one can create a sound as big as one's inner ideal, one's grief and pain, one's joy. That's what The Tallest Man on Earth has done. And it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing to be part of.

The whole night was just magical. He opened the show by playing "Försent för Edelweiss", and after half the song he jumped on the stage, and he started doing the magic with his guitar. Or guitars, I don't think I can count on two hands how many guitars he used that night. He's a guitar- wizard with a brilliant voice. I only recognized about half of the songs, but it didn't matter. I just stood there enjoying the music and his beautiful, amazing voice. He's probably ten times better live than on record, I don't think I have ever heard such a good voice live, ever. Defenetly one of the best nights of my life. If you ever get the chance, get tickets to a Tallest man concert, you won't regret it. It's an experience for life.