I finally got to see Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. As something of independent Canadian super group, they don't tour much. Though now that they supposedly were getting some airplay down South maybe I'll get to see them again, some time soon.
I've gotten all the Blackie and Rodeo Kings albums as they came out. High or Hurtin' took a listen or two to grow on me. It's so atmospheric. Now I love it to pieces. It's great late at night music I played it often on my radio show. The second album is good in parts, but their latest simply titled BARK helped me get by while in Japan. Rather like how I listened to so much Townes Van Zandt while I was in Germany.
I was stoked for this concert, though it took me longer than I thought to bus it. I missed much of the opening act, but I dug his cover of "Hellalujah". In fact it was the first time I had ever heard the song, but I instantly thought it was brilliant, the highlight of his set. Apparently it is an often covered song. Blackie was great, it was just the three of them. Colin has my current ideal guitar style, no pick and the slide on the pinkie. Tom Wilson is possibly my favourite male singer and perversely I owned a Stephan Fearing album before I'd even heard of the other two.
They were great. Not that I expected anything less. It's hard to describe the Rodeo Kings. They are an amalgamation of styles but united in the cause of quality song writing. They enjoy playing together. They're not afraid to take chances. They not only covered Johnny Cash's "Folsum Prison Blues" but slowed it down and made it more menacing. Supposedly Rossane Cash cried when she first heard it. Check them out if you ever get a chance. Highly recommended, one of my favourite bands currently recording and touring. Even the president of the United States of America appears to be a Blackie and the Rodeo Kings fan.