Biography
Comprised of three siblings (Margo Timmins and her brothers Michael and Peter) along with close friend Alan Anton, Cowboy Junkies were formed in 1985 and still maintain their original line-up. The band got their start performing at the Beverly Tavern and other local pubs along Queen Street West in Toronto, including the Rivoli where The Tragically Hip gained popularity.
Their first release, Whites Off Earth Now!!, dropped in 1986 on their own self-formed independent label Latent. Their second release, The Trinity Session, was recorded in 1987 at Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity with one ambisonic microphone. This album’s story, along with the band’s unique blend of blues, folk, country, jazz, and rock earned the Cowboy Junkies an exponentially growing fan-base and warm critical praise; The Trinity Session was named one of the best 10 albums of 1988 by the Los Angeles Times.
Since their initial popularity, the Cowboy Junkies have continued making innovative and unique folk-rock with varied inspirations. With 17 studio albums, eight live records and four compilations, there is no shortage of songs in their repertoire. Their latest project is an 18-month cycle release called the Nomad Series. Released between 2010 and 2012, this multi-disc music journey is built around common but separate narratives. The stylings of the Nomad Series range from “irritating psychedelia” to “other-worldly experience” to “acid blues: songs of sex and violence”. Even to the most xenophobic Cowboy Junkies fan, this series is sure to intrigue the ear.
Sources: Cowboy Junkies' website, AllMusic.com, Wikipedia