WWW.PINKPANTHERFAN.CA That is about me! This blog is my view of the world around me, the absurdity of the inhabitants and how we fit in. I have written diaries for nearly 30 years of my life, at times this will be an extension of that in so much as I will be writing about life as I experience it. Mostly just my personal musings about whatever thought(s) pop into my head and flitter there until I let it out. ENJOY!
Showing posts with label Blue Rodeo Concert Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blue Rodeo Concert Review. Show all posts
I went to a Blue Rodeo concert last night in Halifax. There was a driving rain event that had me drenched within 10 minutes of leaving home for the venue. But I felt like I was walking on the water, I was so excited about the concert. I bought the tickets on a pre-sale last October. I've been hearing about the tour for the past month. Now it was my turn.
So let it "Rain Down On Me" for soon I may be hearing that very song. Live, instead of just playing in a loop in my head. (And indeed it was on the set list!)
The opening act was The Strumbellas which I have been listening to but never before saw them live. I loved how they engaged the audience by talking about experiencing our official food - the donair and going out for a lobster feast. No scripted banter and what an animated performance! A real joy to experience and music that draws you in and spins you around. You decide for yourself and I'll go listen to my new favourite tune of theirs, The Fire.
Lobster Art at Halifax Airport
Back to the main act. We found our seats and I was immediately drawn to the activity in the row ahead of us. There was something exciting going on and it looked like a set list was the cause of some of the giddiness. Let me in! :) Sure enough, we had ourselves some other mega fans in our midst. Connected fans, they knew the security guard who did pass along the set list. And the girl near me had two copies, one which she generously shared with me. I've collected my share of set lists but never before have I had one before the show! She did a very nice thing and it will be one of those unique moments that I will forever remember from this show. As luck would have it we shared the front of the stage when the time came as well.
It's always nice to hear the band talk about the inspiration for the songs that they have penned. It may be one of the most rewarding aspects of going to a live performance, having that inside scope. Then again, I could be an anomaly in gravitating toward the need to know, but there are websites dedicated to trying to decipher lyrics meanings. It's something quite different hearing the explanation from the artists own mouth. That knowledge adds an additional level of appreciation and admiration for the song for me. I knew I would love the new song 1000 Arms just for the story it told alone.
In the introduction of the final new song being showcased, Greg apologized for the proliferation of new material and promised it would be the last before declaring it a bit weird. Although there seemed to be a musical disconnect between the soothing vocals and harsher instrumental interludes, I didn't think there was anything weird about The Flame. Greg's vocals were clear, haunting and soulful as per usual. I can only hope that this song will be released in a future full length album.
Album, I can say that again, without sounding like a dinosaur, since many artists are returning to the vinyl offering of their music. Recently I encountered a musician who was selling cassettes which precipitated a lively conversation on who even has the machinery to play such archaic technology. To be fair, there was a download link included with purchase. And so it continues that everything old is new again.
And that was true for most of this winter 2016 Blue Rodeo tour. I really loved hearing some of the older releases live that I never had a chance to before. Songs like Side of the Road, One Light Left in Heaven and Dark Angel and of course Rose-Coloured Glasses (my first loved BR song). I have to say that although I really like the smattering of new material throughout the concert because for me it means a new release and more touring :)
Although my preliminary count suggested that this show was concert #12 for me seeing Blue Rodeo, prior to three years ago, I had never once seen them live. You could say I am making up for lost time since my love affair with the band has been going since their very first release in 1987, Outskirts. And there is something memorable about each one of those dozen shows.
Whether it is a set list, a guitar pic, a picture or more importantly meeting someone new and forming an ever-lasting connection (Christine and Debra :) there is always something about a Blue Rodeo show.
My picture from the concert
An added bonus to this Halifax show is that by sheer coincidence I happened to be at the airport and a unique set of circumstances led to me having a brief conversation with Greg Keelor as he made his way to catch a plane. A dream came true for me right then and there. I was so in awe of seeing a person I deeply admire that I was gob-smacked and completely tongue-tied. I usually have a better command of the English language lol!
The next time the universe puts me in a similar position I hope I will be better prepared and be able to take a photograph to record the moment.
For the record, Greg is a humble, soft-spoken and utterly charming man and I was lucky to be in his presence. I am and have always been a Keelorite! Team Greg! As if we must make a choice between the talented members of Blue Rodeo.
From Glenn Milchem to Michael Boguski, Bob Egan, Colin Cripps to the founding members Bazil Donovan, Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy. Each one is talented and an integral part of the team that is Blue Rodeo. All the past members that have helped create the Blue Rodeo sound and John, Lee and the other members of the crew that bring them to us live.
Going to concerts has become a very important part of my life in these later years, enhancing the love of music that has been as pronounced as every breath I take. I am counting on another dozen sessions with Blue Rodeo in the next few years or so.
I will see you down the road! I already have my tickets for the August show in Toronto. WOO HOO!
After near memorizing each and every lyric of the new Blue Rodeo release, In Our Nature late last fall, the time for the live show finally arrived. Truth be told, I knew most of it before I even had the disc in my hands. Some of the songs I had heard played in previous concerts, including the 25th Anniversary concert I attended in London, Ontario. I was so mesmerized that I recorded (on my phone) one song so I could listen to my hearts content afterwards. And my heart was indeed content. In fact every time I hear Never Too Late I am transported back to that mystical moment when I first heard those moving words.
Yes it is ROW 2! :)
And the same thing can be said for many Blue Rodeo songs for me. Some for love, some for joy, some for comfort. It's nice to know that we are not alone in our thoughts. And some for new found friends, like hearing Hasn't Hit Me Yet on the Canada AM soundstage with my new friend Debra. She sailed into the waves of my heart with her energy and our common love for Blue Rodeo and music.
Now that I am living in my own Paradise, the song I chose for this blog is Greg's version of the same. It has become my favourite on the In Our Nature offering. Although even making that determination is a difficult one, like which diamond do you like better? I'll take them all! :)
Zach Sutton's gear for the Devin Cuddy Band
There was a great headlining band, that although I am quite familiar with them, they are up and coming. The Devin Cuddy Band, is fronted by none other than the talented off-spring of Blue Rodeo's own Jim Cuddy. But that is where the similarity ends musically. They are both tall, talented and handsome. Devin has a throaty husky sound to his voice that is perfect for his chosen style. It is not the type of music that you will hear on your typical top 40 radio, but I would sure like for their music to become more well known. I appreciate the fact that they strive to be the best at what they do without bowing to the commercial cookie-cutter. By his own admission, Devin likes to write in the style of one of his favourite artists - Randy Newman, and I sure like what he has created. I get a sense of an east-coast sound myself. His album is a collection of a dozen songs all penned by Devin himself. The Louisiana/Blues influence makes for really catchy tunes and danceable beats. Hard to sit still when you are listening! The people who came in late...missed a fabulous performance.
From the beginning to the end, this was a professional show. Okay, there was a little glitch when the guitar slide that Colin Cripps needed for Never Too Late, was not where it was expected to be. But Jim made light while we waited the few seconds for it to be located. The pre-show and the show itself started on time, we were treated to two hours of energetic performances. There were several switches between full sound and acoustical performances where both Glenn Milchem (drummer) and bassist, Bazil Donovan (nice to see you Baz!) had to be re-located closer to the front of the stage and this was done flawlessly. Even the cameraman who moved along the front of the stage for the right shots and angles was unobtrusive.
framed ad from the local paper
As expected, the first set was comprised of mostly new music from the In Our Nature release. I have to say that one of the best things that come from attending a concert like this, is getting some of the back story to the songs. And Greg shared a beautiful story behind the inspiration for Mattawa that helped me see that song in a whole new light. I will now always be reminded of a long drive home halfway across the country in the snows of December. And I am not the only one who got weepy when they heard Tara's Blues!
It was an interesting change to see Greg performing without a guitar in hand, but I felt like there was more raw emotion in the songs when he only had a microphone stand to hide behind. It made for an unmistakable connection between the music and the man. Staying on the performance of Greg, one of the fans in the audience made a wonderful observation about how mellow and happy that Greg looked throughout the concert. And I wondered if he was in his Paradise...lol!
Surrendering the guitar was made possible with the addition of Colin Cripps as electric guitarist for the band. Not unknown to the band, he played with Greg Keelor as part of Crash Vegas, and as a member of the Jim Cuddy Band. He has had quite a prolific career on and off the stage. He is an accomplished musician, singer, song-writer, producer and entrepreneur. Yes, those jeans that you admire on the backsides of Jim and Greg are probably Outsider Denims, his company. A quick glance at the resume of Colin Cripps and it seems I was a fan long before he joined Team Blue. Yes, Smoke by Crash Vegas was one of my most well-worn vinyl tracks, but there is also Sarah McLachlan, Ladies of the Canyon, Oh Susanna and Junkhouse to name but a few that he has had a hand in.
There was an easy flow between the full sound performances and the acoustic offerings and I really enjoyed the outcome of effort. A surprise departure from the vast Blue Rodeo catalogue, was a Blue take on the classic Rolling Stones song The Last Time, done acoustically and with heart! There have been very few songs that they have covered but they do do them well. Til I Am Myself Again is one of their better known re-makes, and Greg's rendition of Out of the Blue on this newest record is fabulous. And if you want a real treat - look up Greg's take on Heaven that he performed on both his solo record Gone and for the James Gray tribute concert. Unbelievable!
After a quick beer break, the boys were back with the promised second set of some of their classics. And near fandemonium broke out when Greg begged the security to let the fans approach the stage. Now, I had already checked, the floor seats were all bolted to one another to keep them in line and the front row extended across the aisles. Like gazelles they began to leap over - quite frankly my gymnastics days are over - but I made it to the stage! A stranger who was a beautiful soul would not leave me behind and offered her hand so I could climb over the chairs. This is a true East Coast soul and Blue Rodeo fan. Kim didn't need to care but she did and won't be forgotten! We danced and swayed and got Lost Together in the love of the music.
Both Jim and Greg did solo acoustic performances. Jim shared Girl of Mine and Greg gave us Dark Angel. Hauntingly beautiful but not a clap along :) In this second set with the crowd bopping at their feet, Blue Rodeo covered songs from Outskirts, Diamond Mine, Tremolo, Casino, 5 Days in July and Lost Together.
It was during this second set that it really hit me how old I was. Even before rushing the stage, I was noticing how young the crowd around me was. That might be par for the course in this university heavy town, but as I thought back to other shows I attended, I realized that as the boys and I age gracefully together (they are older ;p) the audience is getting younger and younger. Of course only die hard fans like myself would throw the concept of age out the window in order to have the chance to be at the foot of the stage where it happens and you can connect with the Debs and Kims of the world.
And you know, this older material isn't lost on the younger set. They sang along to After the Rain and Bad Timing like us seasoned veterans. And that does my heart good because Canadian music is to be appreciated at all ages. And this is good music that happens to be Canadian. I hope that the gentleman (who ironically lived in Coldbrook, a small town I once called home) is wrong when he said that this would probably be Blue Rodeo's final tour because of the severity of Greg's ongoing ear problems. I hope not because seeing these old friends on stage with my new friends is a highlight in my life that I am not ready to end.
Kim and I pegged it right, the encore was Try and Lost Together. I have a back story for Try. In my sons Dalhousie University days when he lived so far from my then Ontario home, he would go to the Lower Deck and listen to the great local band Signal Hill play. Sometimes he would request it, sometimes it was on the playlist - but when they played Try he phoned me and held his cell phone high above the crowds so I could be part of the audience with him. And coming full circle in life, when I hear Try I do the same for him!
Lost Together was performed with Devin, Nichol Robertson, Devon Richardson and Zach Sutton returning to the stage. It still blows my mind to see father and son Cuddy sharing the mike on stage. And the choreographed guitar dance between Nichol, Devon and Greg made me smile. They looked like they were really enjoying it.
That's the marvelous thing about a Blue Rodeo concert is the connection you can feel with the band. The theatrics come from the musicians and not pyrotechnics. The music is real and not something that is manufactured in the studio. What you hear at home is what you hear in person but with flair! Watching Baz strum on stage I can go home and listen to the same song and hear it clearer and louder on the recording. You have to watch Bob Egan carefully for he switches between his instruments like they are an extension of his own arms. And Michael Boguski has taken piano to a level that I had aspirations for in my youth. But he has the passion and the talent for the instrument. The five member of the band fit Jim and Greg like a well-loved glove. Perfect compliment.
Years of friendship and respect was evident when for the final encore it was just Jim and Greg on stage with their guitars sharing one mike and two voices that go together like a country mouse and a city mouse. I was reminded of what it must have been like when they started back in the day, two young guys jamming. Well, after Greg taught himself to play guitar! :) The song was What Am I Doing Here and, well, if I ever get that meet and greet, I will tell you what you are doing here in Halifax and every other spot large and small that you stop and plug in the amp! And all I'll have to do is smile, because that is what you do for me. Make me smile. Thanks!
Still on a musical high I rushed over to the Carleton to catch my second helping of the Devin Cuddy Band. I had just enough time to wet my whistle to get ready for more singing when the boys started coming into the bar. I knew and loved the music before I knew the band and only got to know them when I bought the first CD and got the musicians turned salesmen to sign it. Tonight marked the second time that I saw them at the Carleton Music Club in Halifax. The first time, I had just moved here and knew nobody - it was like seeing an old friend. That Devin and Zach remember me swells my old heart and I appreciate it so much.
(For the record, you don't have to worry I am not a stalker it was just a lucky guess that I knew which hotel you were staying at...I watched you walk to the stage door before the concert. I knew the direction you came from and the hotels in the area.) I'm just a fan who admires your talent and loves your music. And you are really nice people!
If anyone skipped the show at the Carleton thinking that it might be a repeat of the stage show, they were wrong. The closely quartered bar crowd was treated to a full helping of original songs from the album (aptly titled Volume One) along with some rocking country covers. And I think I understand why some performers on stage have their eyes closed for there was quite a show being performed right on the dance floor! Hey to be young and drunk :) lol! SOCIABLE!
It was an awesome night! And I look forward to seeing you all again "DOWN THE ROAD". This time, I'll travel :)
Rain Down On Me - Blue Rodeo and Devin Cuddy
Some Links for you to check out:
Blue Rodeo
http://www.bluerodeo.com/
The Devin Cuddy Band
http://www.devincuddy.com/
The Carleton Music Bar and Grill, Halifax NS http://www.thecarleton.ca/ Colin Cripps entrepreneurial venture Outsider Denim http://producttoronto.com/2013/10/details-outsider-denim-2/
Continuing the love affair with great Canadian music I bring you the up and coming Devin Cuddy. Okay, he is the son of Blue Rodeo front man Jim Cuddy but father and son are like night and day in song styles, although the name association isn't likely to wane anytime soon. But there is no riding on the coat-tails for this son of a star, Devin seems to have taken a u-turn from the modern era and ended up in the 50's - long before my time :) and a far cry from the equally unique style of Blue Rodeo. Devin has paved his own road beautifully even though it is a road less travelled in 2013. Already sounding the seasoned pro it's hard to believe he is but 25. His words and music suggest a much older soul.
Music - great music is not bound by generations. That is why disco died. It was faddish - the Devin Cuddy Band plays the tunes that make you feel like you have been transported to another era. An era when it was fun to kick up your heels and dance and sing along. Devin is a masterful writer from the comical My Son's a Queer to the Louisiana Blues style of Sidewalk in the South each one makes you feel like you are part of the song/story.
I first heard Devin and his band when they opened for Blue Rodeo at a gig in May of this year. I was so impressed with the brief set that after the concert I made my way to the merchandise table so I could snag a CD. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to chat with both Devon Richardson (bass player) and Zach "The Animal" Sutton (drums). I felt a bit like a teenage groupie, but I got them both to sign the CD. But the two other members of the quartet were not to be found. So when I heard that Devin was doing a summer set at the Cameron House in downtown Toronto, I knew I had to go.
We didn't know what time the set started so we were a bit early and took the opportunity to wander the neighbourhood. Queen Street is an exciting place. Wonderful old architecture melded with modern and one of a kind shops. But even more thrilling for me was to see places like the Horseshoe Tavern and the Rivoli. Iconic bars where many of the Canadian musical artist I love so much now once got their start in the biz. People who live in the city may take these things for granted but I felt like a wide-eyed child at Christmas. And then back to the Cameron House. It's much smaller than I expected for all the big names that have passed through those rickety old doors. The floors are worn bare in parts and look original to the structure. The art on the wall is a stark contrast. I struggle with words to describe it...punkish, like something from a drug-induced trip. I don't know. I liked what I saw, the colours the subject matter, the scale but not something I would want on the walls in my home. With the skeletons and the bugs I was intrigued enough to ask the bartender with the amazing smile the significance of the bugs decorating the walls of the historic building. Much bigger than any species I have ever seen, they are in fact - ants. The story is entertaining and so I must share. According to the one with the engaging eyes, since the inception of the Cameron House as a venue for the struggling musician, many of the performers had rooms on the upper floor of the house. But zoning by-laws prohibited tenants, so if any city official came by and asked they would honestly say that they did indeed have ten ants living upstairs. Ten ants now decorate the main level of the building...I love it!
Anxious to catch him with my signature request I interrupted Devin Cuddy as he was discussing the set list with his band. Sorry but I was afraid to miss the opportunity. He was very gracious and accommodating and I thank him for that. More so I thank him for the music and the memories.
In one magical and exciting night, I had the opportunity for a second live experience with the Devin Cuddy band, I met some really great people including my fellow countryman with a swagger and a twinkle in his eye, the wild rocker who partied with a member of the Mothers of Invention in his youth and spent a few hours listening to the up and comers at the Cameron House and Rivoli. Samantha, who caught my eye wearing a dress I bought at Forever 21 in Times Square and showed me why it's good that I gave it away. Samantha who knew all the words to Devin's songs and was so enthusiastic about the music you couldn't help but join her in the dance! And of course a special nod to DG my friend and comrade in arms to all things music. I thank you all.
There was one other special guest that arrived and caused a bit of a buzz with his appearance. None other than Jim Cuddy showed up to support his son. It's great to see him sing and clap along as part of the audience instead of on stage. Now, I would be lying if I said I wasn't star struck at seeing one of my musical idols sitting at a bar not 10 feet away from me. I wanted to go up to him and just express my admiration and say hi. But it wasn't the place or time and I think you have to respect the man's space. For me, Jim's presence there was a bonus and I for one wasn't going to be the one to interrupt his or my enjoyment of the music we all came to enjoy - the Devin Cuddy Band. Admittedly I did try for a couple of pictures though and when Jim got up to leave, I took a picture for someone who asked and I did shake his hand.
If you get a chance to experience Devin Cuddy's musical talents - do it!
Some more pics from that night - serious camera fail (sorry)
Another fabulous evening spent in the company of Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor and the rest of the boys that make up BLUE RODEO. I am a career long fan of the band from the first time I heard Rose Coloured Glasses on the radio. And then I saw the video on Much Music with the keyboardist Bob Wiseman jumping up to the beat of Greg singing "Day after day..." (3:40 on the official video) and I felt such joy - someone wipe this silly grin off my face. The energy that I felt when they sang...it was infectious. I ran out and bought the album, one play through and I was hooked. It was like getting two albums for the price of one. Greg and Jim had very distinctive voices and styles and i was drawn to each for different reasons - but the harmonisations made them a unified force. Over the next 25 years from one release to the next - what's not to love? Let your heart dance with mine to the beat of the music...
It's difficult to classify their genre. There were times they were considered a country band that occasionally crossed over - but that was a lot from the name I think. Some Blues too ;) There are songs that have a decidely country feel with the instrumentation and cadence of the tune - collectively and solo efforts. And then there is more raucous tune that features an accordian melding with the electric and acoustic guitars. Maybe it's my Italian background but I want to start passing the red-wine stained, wicker-covered wine bottle, get up and sashay around the room with an inebriated uncle (aunt or other family friend) like I did during our version of Newfoundlands kitchen party.
The show last night was held in Stratford, Ontario. Third time's a charm, the show was cancelled two times previously for various issues that were beyond the control of the boys in the band. Worked out great for me, because the person originally scheduled to go had other commitments leaving a ticket for me. I was thrilled to be asked to attend. Of course we got there early and enjoyed some of the sights and sounds of both the city of Stratford Ontario and Blues and RibFest. Okay, it was general admission and we like to be up front and center. So yes, we were at the front of the line, and when the doors opened we whooped our way in - front and center. It's all part of the experience and we met some nice people - Paul, Jerry, Sue, Josh (so familiar looking)! Only fitting since we met at as early rising audience members for a Blue Rodeo appearance on Canada AM. Another first, we were interviewed by the local newspaper "The Stratford Gazette" and proclaimed "two of Blue Rodeo's biggest fans". WooHoo! Now we just need a Meet and Greet to fulfill a true fan's fantasy. Time to chat and get to know them.
Some pictures instead of words depicting the concert experience. Enjoy, share but please credit. I'm not a pro, just a fan. I am sorry that some are sideways - They were upright when I uploaded them. If I can figure out how to fix, I will. Meanwhile - do yourself a favour....LISTEN TO THE MUSIC! BUY THE MUSIC! YOU'LL LOVE THE MUSIC!
More pictures can be found on my facebook page :)
Credit where credit is due
To Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor and the boys in the band - without them their wouldn't be such great music in my head :)
The Ballad of the Dime Store Greaser and the Blonde Mona Lisa
Blue Rodeo
(my version and pictures...their talent and property)
Where to start? The Rolling Stones are still kicking ass and drawing sold out crowds at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. For their 50 and counting tour, more than 19,500 people had the opportunity to shell out somewhere in the neighbourhood of $500 each to see Mick and the boys showcase more than 5 decades of hits. I saved a bit of money and got up close and personal with three all Canadian bands the same night a little further away from the mayhem of the big city. Although I got a good taste of the insanity of a metropolitan city on a Friday night as I joined the exodus departing on the highways across the top of the city, the one hour drive time was easily doubled. But so worth it - yes even the stress in wondering if we were lost or worse going to be late. Lost was unlikely since I had made the same straightforward trip several times. West on the highway, north on the bi-way - not too complicated. Lol! It was all good, for in the end we were parking as the doors were opening and we "stormed the stage" prepared to park for the night. Yes, liquids were restricted because there is never a good time for a break :)
Canadian music rocks! Shared passion makes the loving sweeter and it applies to music as well as the horizontal tango ;)
The venue was a local hockey arena in a tiny town. Larger arenas and entertainment centres could be sold out and have been, but this is a charity event hosted by a community group that has been going on almost as long as the prolific career of the headlining band. This was the 16th year for Blue Rodeo and the first for the Devin Cuddy Band. I don't know how long Who'sArmy has been opening with Blue Rodeo at this venue but this is my second time seeing them and I liked them even more than last time. A young band, Who'sArmy was formed during the school years but really didn't gain a following (an army) behind them until a very successful run in 2011 on Cover Me Canada. They won that competition and have been showcasing their musical talent ever since. I had the good fortune of meeting the proud Mom of one of the members of the band when I went to pick up my tickets at her home. She is right to boast - he's a talented young man. Every song the band played last night was awesome. For you television fans, a quick youtube search showed me that this band had penned a song with Chantal Kreviazuk entitled Alive that was shown in the finale of the Being Erica show. Not to shabby to have those credits under your belt. If you appreciate real young talent not media manufactured, check them out. A brief intermission while Who'sArmy carried away their instruments and gear and at the same time we saw the first glimpse of the Devin Cuddy band in action. Although by "in action" I mean that they were playing the part of roadies. Yes, indeed it was Devin Cuddy himself who moved his piano to the front of the stage and made the connections to it, the foot pedal and the mic. The glamorous life of a rock star :) As his father said in a song "All In Time". The music...Well, let me tell you, the apple sure didn't fall far from the tree. A very distinctive voice and a different style of writing and singing, but the talent is clearly evident. There is a tone of blues in a several songs we heard, and humour. I like that a lot. Devin played the entire set seated at the keys and it was the only time I cursed being so close to the stage. Every picture I tried to take had a mic stand shielding his eyes. His wild mop of curly hair hid his eyes the rest of the time...until as the set wore on, the sweat acted as a gel to control it when he swept it up and away. You could hear the passion in the voice if not see it in the eyes, it was all good. The members of the band - talent without famous fathers. He called himself the "other Devon" when at the merchandise table a fan of Jim Cuddy professed her love for his dad - on stage he plucked the base and with a look that seemed to fit the style of the music if not his tender age, this Devon was perfect harmonization for Kid Cuddy. I cannot mention the talent of this young band without a word about Animal. It's not an insult. Animal was the rocking drummer from the Muppets. The Muppets were the puppets from the educational program Sesame Street who left the pre-school sect and went mainstream. When you watched Cuddy's drummer perform you saw the same faraway gaze and intensity. Someone get that boy a sandwich he is eating his drumsticks. I am glad we had a chance to chat after the show and I love the CD I purchased. Still need one signature - did you even find Master Cuddy? Good PR guys enjoy the ride up.
Blue Rodeo <3
When you are Blue Rodeo, you let the roadies do the last minute check to make sure the sound quality is going to be what you want. When you have been performing for adoring fans for 25 years you know that with each passing moment before you walk on stage the anticipation is building. Blue Rodeo can easily and promptly sell out Massey Hall but they also really seem to like the smaller, intimate audiences up close and personal with their fans. I have been a fan throughout their entire career but until recently, I never saw them in concert at all. I wasn't always living in the southern Ontario area, and there was a time in my life when going to any concert just wasn't an option. The first time I saw the boys was in Jarvis Ontario. Barely a crossroads tucked away in the farm fields far behind Hamilton it was a CornFest. The stage was small and the seating was bales of hay. But I stood at the feet of Greg Keelor, transfixed. I don't know if it was my excitement at being there that resonated but I was fortunate to meet some amazing fans during the set that allowed me to get even closer so I could take pictures. Still friends with her today. That is the beauty of being a part of this Rodeo, we all paid the price of admission and we all love the music, we get the other persons passion. Since that humble foray into the live Blue Rodeo experience, I have sought out similar venues. Some bigger, some smaller - all amazing. I must give a quick shout out to my kids who tolerated my Blue Rodeo and Pink Panther obsessions and even fed them. My daughter and her b/f sent me to concerts. My son during his four years of university on the east coast would have the bar band play Try and then in a "college stupor" call me and without a word as he held his cell phone high above the crowds, all I would hear would be the drunken shrieks, but I knew that he was thinking of me. Being in the audience for a CanadaAM appearance was a highlight because circumstances allowed for a personal meeting with both Jim and Greg and a photo-op!
Jim Cuddy
This night, like every other night, every other performance the boys of Blue are in fine form. Colin Cripps has taken a much more visible role in picking up the electric guitar solos that were once the job of Greg Keelor. Greg has been dealing with some ear problems lately - so much so that the stage was built bigger this year to give more space around the equipment and the singer. It saddens me to see Greg taking a less active role but I understand for age and ear issues plague me too. What restore my faith for the future of the band is noting that Greg's vocal contributions haven't diminished. While it may be comfortable for him to have the guitar in front, if he just sang I would be in heaven. Without a doubt, Jim Cuddy has got more than a few female fans willing to fall at his feet and are swooning and drooling at the sight of him. Who can blame them? And when he sings the deal is done. Jim seems to unconsciously (or not) play to that because many of the love songs are vocalised by him. Women relate to that relationship theme on an emotional level - and it helps with the fantasy that Jim is the other one in that pairing...lol! The songs where Greg is the main vocalist seem to be more soulful and thought provoking. Like What Am I Doing Here and Outskirts. One of the new ones resonated with me and hit me like a slap in the face is Never Too Late. I can hardly wait for the new album to come out so I can hear it on repeat :) If I could ask any question of the band it would be simply "As a duo, how do you decide who is the main singer on a song? Is it the main writer or is it based on vocal range and style? Flip a coin?"
Greg Keelor
Attending a Blue Rodeo concert is a very emotional and moving experience for me, since the band sings the music of my life. I relate to music, particularly the lyrics and have all my life. Music moves me to love, cry, laugh, think, smile and write. I play piano but it isn't my passion. Blue Rodeo is. All three bands who entertained us are all amazing in their own right. Three different styles coming together for one awesome evening. I assure you that whatever type of music you like, you will find that one of these bands will do it for you. The audience was a testament to this. From 20 year old males who supported their friends in Who'sArmy, or were recently introduced to the Blue Rodeo legacy to the nearing-their-prime 50+year old gentlemen and the women of all ages. Some artists cater to specific demographic populations like teenage girls and Justin Bieber or Lawrence Welk and the blue-hair army. Blue Rodeo fans span the generations and sexes. It will never cease to amaze me that they haven't achieved the world wide fame of a U2 or Coldplay - it sure isn't lack of talent. But it's okay because it means that for me, I will be able to afford to go see them and appreciate them in person.
"Here on the outskirts of life dreams seldom come true" and you go to a Blue Rodeo concert and suddenly the world is brighter and everything seems possible!!"
Unfortunately the video's I took at the concert will not upload on this blog. If I every figure out a solution or alternate method, I will post it.
And that was true for most of this winter 2016 Blue Rodeo tour. I really loved hearing some of the older releases live that I never had a chance to before. Songs like Side of the Road, One Light Left in Heaven and Dark Angel and of course Rose-Coloured Glasses (my first loved BR song). I have to say that although I really like the smattering of new material throughout the concert because for me it means a new release and more touring :)
