I’ve been so fortunate both in my personal life as a music fan buying tickets and my role as reviewer for GayCalgary to have seen many concerts. Something I have learned over time is there is a subtle difference between the veterans of the music industry and some newcomers. Whether it is just a level of confidence in playing, a big catalogue of recognizable tunes, or something intangible when you see an artist that has a few decades under their belt, there is just something different.
Such is the case with Blue Rodeo, a band that seems to play Calgary on an almost yearly basis yet still consistently sells out. Their two-night jaunt at the Jubilee Auditorium in January – followed by another 2 nights in Edmonton – packed the theatre to the roof with fans of all ages who were ready to enjoy an evening with one of Canada’s most beloved bands.
On a stage set with lamps, right off the bat Blue Rodeo set the tone that made the space intimate, almost like they were jamming in your living room. Kicking off with 1990’s Trust Yourself the band – lead by Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor – casually played through a long list of hits from the past 3 decades. Additionally, they added 4 new songs from an upcoming album to the set – always a risk and one that was met with polite applause.
"I noticed you applauded louder for Greg’s new song then my new song" Cuddy joked.
Cuddy and Keelor took turns singing their respective songs while the rest of the band - Bazil Donovan (bass), Glenn Milchem (drums), multi-instrumentalist Bob Egan), keyboardist Michael Boguski, and guitarist Colin Cripps expertly weaved together the songs including some lengthy solos.
Soon enough the main set wrapped up with some major hits – Rose Coloured Glasses, a full sing along to Try and Diamond Mine. The encore kicked off with a cover of Rodney Crowell’s ‘Til I Gain Control Again and two of the bands biggest hits – Hasn’t Hit Me Yet and Lost Together.
There is a list of bands that as Canadians it is almost a requirement to see at least once. Bands like The Tragically Hip. Barenaked Ladies and Great Big Sea among many others have consistently drawn crowds and fans across the country for decades. Blue Rodeo is another on that list of must see Canadian bands. Their live show may be more low key then some of their contemporaries, but much like catching up with old friends, it’s a familiar and warm night that is distinctively Canadian.
