Songs to wake you up and draw you closer...

A surprising and touching intro: Sting with his son Joe Sumner. One of the best came last: Sting closed this year's open-air season in Vorarlberg last night.

Actually, or perhaps fortunately, it was a whole group of stars who secured the Altes Kino Rankweil as the host to offer something special for the finale of this year's open-air season. World star Sting not only had Dominic Miller, Josh Freese, and Rufus Miller with him, but also his son Joe Sumner. "Isn't there a support act?" whispered one or two people who, still with a beer and a burger in their hands, caught sight of Sting last night at 8 p.m. sharp. As the basilica's bell chimed, they began a song together, then Joe had the stage alone, demonstrating that his voice is absolutely on top of its game and that even a sound that isn't necessarily suited to getting you fired up can find attentive listeners. Firstly, because it comes across as authentic and genuine and secondly, because it represents a creative mix.
 

Absolutely fitting for Sting and co. The new album "57th & 9th," named after a crossroads, released after a years-long hiatus, gathers rather sparse songs that, live, develop the dynamics you'd hoped for upon first listening. There are many interesting arrangements that awaken and draw you closer, making you listen more closely. You'd rather ignore the distractions of an open-air concert. But never mind, the thousands of fans of various ages who gathered at Rankweil's market square saw the approach more as a gathering during "Can't Stop Thinking About You," "Englishman in New York," "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You," "Fields of Gold," and so on.

Sting also brought along the big hits and the old ones, all well-rehearsed throughout, and seemed incredibly personable as he interacted with the audience, allowing the crew's guitar and accordion solos to celebrate, offering the fans a concert that was as entertaining, thrilling as it was musically challenging.

(c) Vorarlberger Nachrichten