The Buzz: If Blue Rodeo were a Zamboni that had just scraped the ice, you’d stand there, marvel in awe at the glass-like surface, then you’d notice they missed a sliver in the corner. So it went at the Centre Thursday night as they put on a spectacular musical array that showcased just how amazing they are as musicians and songwriters.
Music teacher says: One tight band. You could cut paper with the harmonies they were so sharp. Twelve (or thirteen if you count their double current offering, “Things We Left Behind” as two) albums later and you would expect nothing less.
The moment: There is a reason why Blue Rodeo is one of Canada’s most enduring bands and it’s because of their lyrics. They have mastered the paradox with such musings as “I don’t know if you’ll come back to me.
Or if I want you to. I’ll be waiting for you.” from One Light Left in Heaven on their new disc. Nary a dry eye in the house with that poignant number.
More fun than … a three-hour roller coaster ride. That’s the best way to describe Jim Cuddy’s guitar solo when he broke out with the enthusiasm of a 16-year-old and his first Gibson. More infectious than swine flu.
Greg’s moment: Not to be outdone, Keelor rose to the occasion with “Venus Rising”. Sometimes I think he can’t sing, but he always sounds great.
Banter: It was sparse, but Keelor’s insight on how musicians were like an old woman’s sewing circle when it comes to “Gossip.” (BTW, I heard Sam Roberts’ Grey Cup show was taped, something Blue Rodeo vows won’t be the case at their halftime show Sunday.)
The Crowd: Let’s just say I was at Wolf Mother a few days prior and felt old, whereas I thought I discovered the fountain of youth at The Centre Thursday.
Verklempt: “Bad Timing” I can never get through that one without dabbing the eyes. If ever there were a Kleenex commercial, that song is it. It’s all the more powerful live.
The sliver: They (and I always wonder who “they” are) say art should be destroyed after it’s created. It’s the creative process that is the wonder and the result is irrelevant. Such is the case with a few Blue Rodeo classics such as English Bay and Cynthia. I have to wonder if they are as bored playing them as I am hearing them. I think so.
Encore: The Skydiggers (who apparently put on a good opening set but I wouldn’t know because I didn’t see it) joined the Rodeo for the encore with a rousing rendition of Lost Together. The sea of guitars and waves of harmonies washed the content crowd into the streets with a little more space in their hearts and a tinge of sadness in their souls. It’s a Blue Rodeo afterall.
