Hopscotch 2012: Matthew E. White - Brazos

As one of the most beautiful sets of Hopscotch was coming to a close, I had sense enough to pull out the camera to catch some of Matthew E. White's "One Incantation Under God" show at Fletcher Opera Hall, and boy did I pick the right time.  Matthew announced that this would be the last song and proceeded to ease into the 11 minute epic of "Brazos", the closer from his debut album Big Inner.  "Brazos" is the perfect snapshot of this set, it contains the sweet and subtle sounds that make White such a standout amongst today's scene.  He's mastered dynamics in a way that few today are able to, as his grandiose orchestration soars as proudly as his commanding vocal presence.  Matthew E. White radiated throughout the set, a fact that had a profound effect on the show, as a few songs in the crowd came to life at White's mention that the crowd could dance if they wished.  Watching the gradual sea of people shimmying their way down the isle to this groovy soul song was one of the highlights of my weekend.  Check out the full video of "Brazos" below: