anguish · grief · heartache · melancholy
by NO_FIXED_PLANS on 2023-11-27The Danforth Music Hall - TorontoNobody sounds like them provocative, artsy, but never pretentious!
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Canadian alt-country pioneers Cowboy Junkies will return to Australian and New Zealand for the first time in 20 years in May 2020.
Anyone who has followed Cowboy Junkies’ three-decade-long journey knows the band has always remained true to its unique artistic vision. In 1988, they proved that there was an audience waiting for something quiet, beautiful and reflective. The Trinity Session was like a whisper that cut through the noise with its introspective, quiet intensity. Their new album, All That Reckoning, once again gently shakes the listener to wake up. It may be the most powerful album Cowboy Junkies have yet recorded.
Cowboy Junkies inadvertently started a revolution when they appeared in the late ‘80s. The Trinity Session featured the band’s unforgettable cover of the Velvet Underground’s “Sweet Jane”, and combined folk, country, blues and rock in a way that had never been heard before. It went on to sell more than a million copies but its influence was broader and deeper. Indeed the record presaged the subsequent alternative-country movement in the ‘90s and beyond, with its general mood – the album had been recorded in a church with the group performing around a single microphone.
Over subsequent albums the group helped introduce its audience to the work of seminal singer-writers including both Townes Van Zandt and John Prine, and their cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “State Trooper” helped introduce him to the alternative world. All the while they were building a canon of similarly pared-down original songs and a catalogue of acclaimed albums to rival those of their favorites.
Last year’s All That Reckoning confirmed their status; in a 5-star review Mojo Magazine said the album was “equal parts tenderness and edge, sensual and beautifully disturbing", while The Associated Press said that “All That Reckoning shows Cowboy Junkies in peak form, adding another inspired, alluring album to their repertoire.” National Public Radio called it “as vital as anything they’ve done.” Innocent Words singled out singer Margo Timmins, calling her one of “just a handful of singers, alongside Nick Cave, PJ Harvey and the late Leonard Cohen, who consistently manage to take vulnerability, emotional rawness and translate it into powerfully moving records time and time again.”
Formed in Toronto in 1985 with siblings Michael Timmins on guitar, Margo Timmins on vocals, Peter Timmins on drums, and Michael’s lifelong friend Alan Anton on bass, Cowboy Junkies has never had a break-up or taken a hiatus. They’ve never even endured a line-up change. The group has created a critically acclaimed body of work that has endeared them to an audience unwavering in its loyalty, and which is ripe for discovery by those who may have lost track along the way, or indeed who are new to the group’s charms. Their May 2020 tour of Australian and New Zealand will be one the undoubted highlights of the musical year.
Nobody sounds like them provocative, artsy, but never pretentious!
It was well worth the "2nd trip to Toronto"for the make up concert. Margo and "The Boys"were awesome. I am so glad to have finally seen the "Cowboy Junkies"live. The evening was made extra special, as my daughter Ashley shared the experience with me.
Finally got to see Cowboy Junkies live!!! And the emotions!!! Told myself I have to see them play live at least once in my lifetime! Been dreaming abut it since I first listened to the trinity sessions. Such joy!!!
The Cowboy Junkies are still writing great songs and still ROCKING! Great mix of old and new material. Margo's voice is dreamy. Great crowd too!
Canadian musicians/vocalists.writers/producers/stage managers at their collective best. What a treat.! " could drink a case of you..." What a privilege. TW
Walking int the show - we expected a concert -> not a who's who of Canadian indie rock doing for all intents a rock opera. Andy Maize, Sara Harmer, Tom Wilson and of course the Junkies (among many more). The first half was the complete replay of the new record "The Kennedy Suite" and the second half a min-set by the Junkies. It was so well done - i walked out amazed and very happy. Thanks Margo and team!
A lovely, intimate night with the Cowboy Junkies at the Eric Harvey Theatre in Banff. The first set was all newer music and the second set was the older music including songs from The Trinity Sessions. Margo and company were in fine form and we enjoyed some of the stories that she shared including a memorable summer that she and her brothers spent in Banff when they were kids.
Margo's singing was great. The song selection was good. The music arrangements were not so good, especially in the first set. The mandolin and harmonica were good, but the guitar was all cheap fuzz tone. I realize they may not have the budget to tour with more instruments like steel guitar and accordion to get the sound they get during the recordings, but I would have been happy if Mike just ditched the effects pedals, or at least scaled them back.
The Cowboy Junkies sure are a tight band; it's a shame that Margot Timmins seemed to be nursing a cold--although her voice was up to the mark for this show. Hopefully she is better now. The Timmins family spent 2 months in Banff when the siblings were young, so the show [perhaps] meant a wee bit more to them than some other shows. Radio really ought to play more of them, imho.
Junkies performed an intimate concert at the WECC in Wpg. Sound was typically great as always at the WECC and the venue suited the Junkies SO well. Went to concert as a date with my wife. They played a new set of new material first and 2nd set was the old favorites. Hearing Margo Timmins voice telling stories and singing, was entralling. You could listen to her pleasant voice on and on...