2008 is another busy year for Blue Rodeo. See what others have thought of their recent lives shows by checking out the reviews below.
If you want to send us your review, click on the button in the right-hand sidebar. Reviews from 2007 and 2006 can be found over on the 2007 Show Review Archive and 2006 Show Review Archive pages.
Victoria, BC - Save On Foods Memorial Arena - January 13, 2008
Deirdre's Review
I had never been to the Save On Foods Arena before and was worried that the
sound and intimate quality of a Blue Rodeo concert would suffer. I am very happy to
say that this did not happen! The acoustics were fantastic and Jim and Greg's
voices were wonderful. I especially liked the pared down first set, which showed
off the piano, guitars, bass, and brush drum. I could have been in a living room
if I closed my eyes. Then, wow, the rockin started and somehow the band was able
to mix the full electric sound with the hauntingly sensitive lyrics and song of
Keeler. Flexible and tight, magic and roots, a timelessness that makes me value
Blue Rodeo as a Canadian gem. Way to go!
June's Review
Introduced as "the pride of Nova Scotia," Luke Doucet and his trio, The White
Falcon, took the stage in basic black, with the exception of a petite woman in a
hot pink cocktail dress and metallic pumps. Later introduced as Doucet's wife,
Melissa McLelland provided haunting back up vocals and guitar, Rich Levesque
played bass, and Blue Rodeo's drummer Glenn Milchem provided drums, as "we
suffer from exploding drummer syndrome," Doucet explained.
Suffused in magenta
light, Doucet wailed on his Gretsch White Falcon alongside his wife on acoustic.
They made sweet love to one another through their guitars; romance plucked the
strings. "Got two seats but only used one." Doucet played the saddest, shrillest
harmonica I have ever heard. The highlight song was "Broken One" a peppy
heart-break tune. The band's harmonies were exceptional and the lyrics
reverberant. "You've gotta have a heart to have a broken one." After shamelessly
plugging the band members' new releases, he proceeded to endorse bassist Rich
Levesque's Jimmy's Hot Sauce, "I should sell furniture," Doucet said. I hope he
sticks with music.
Blue Rodeo began their show aptly bathed in blue light. The
six-piece blue-jeaned band was close knit at stage front as if inviting the
audience into their living room. Cuddy (guitar, vocals, mandolin, harmonica)
wore tapered Wranglers and Greg Keelor (guitar, vocals) danced in bell bottoms.
Bazil Donovan lounged and played bass while Milchem returned to the stage with
only a snare and brushes, Bob Egan ripped up the steel guitar, and Bob Packman
was amazing on keyboards and organ launching himself off his stool several times
during the jovial songs. The energy of the near full-house erupted in hoots and
hollers. "You're worked up for some reason," Cuddy said. The banter was spare,
yet witty and it was obvious these talented instrumentalists are about the
music.
They played a good mix of classics from their extensive roster of hits as
well as many songs from their new album "Small Miracles," including "Blue
House," which deifies categorization. Their songs are a mixture of rock,
country, blues, honky-tonk, and roots; countrified and close to the heart. The
absolute highlight was "Try" back to back with the Bee Gees' classic "To Love
Somebody." Cuddy hit all the right notes.
Then, Keelor and Cuddy (plus
harmonica) took the stage with "Bad Timing" singing "never meant to make you
cry." The black curtain dividing the stage fell revealing the full band, acid
green lighting, and a rotating crystal backdrop. They rocked up the show with
"Til I Am Myself Again" followed by "Black Ribbon." After copious clapping, the
band returned to the stage for an encore. Keelor let the audience begin "Hasn't
Hit Me Yet" while glittery snow fell above a street light into the transfixed
first row. "We'll see you down the road," Cuddy said closing the show. Yes you
will.
Posted at 3:19 PM | permalink | discuss this!
Calgary, AB - Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - January 9, 2008
Ingrid's Review
One of the best Blue Rodeo shows I have seen in years! I enjoyed the show so
much last night that I am now searching for tickets for tonight's show. Jim and
Greg's voices just get better with age. Jim gave us those fabulous classic Jim
ballads that make me melt and feel so good. I loved Greg's "Dark Angel" solo, so
very different for him and so well done. Great voice! I did not want the show to
end.
The stage itself was the best they have ever had and it seemed like the whole band
was just really enjoying themselves. I could listen and watch them all over and
over again. I was not sure about seeing them in such a big venue, but it really
was fabulous. I have seen Blue Rodeo in many small venues and I really did like
the big concert feel; very well done! I look forward to the next time Blue Rodeo
comes through Calgary and I will be, hopefully, in the front row singing and
dancing along with them. Can't wait!!
Posted at 2:33 PM | permalink | discuss this!
Edmonton, AB - Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - January 7, 2008
Marc's Review
This was probably my 20th BR concert, but one of the most refreshing I have seen
in quite some time - especially in a fixed-seat indoor venue. As a
self-proclaimed die-hard, I actually get tired of the 'greatest hits' component
of the concerts, but this last performance had some great throw-backs to older
material that really reminded me of the journey the band has made over the
years. There is something exciting about hearing the opening notes to a song and
having to think for a second about the last time you heard it. I found the new
material to be much more entertaining this time 'round, vs the last time I saw
the band perform excerpts from the new record. The guys looked and had a sense
of calm and comfort on stage - like you were hanging out in their living room.
The show was great. My friends and I left wanting much, much more.
Posted at 3:00 PM | permalink | discuss this!