Features
Blue Rodeo
Canadian pop wranglers Blue Rodeo have a November chock-full of gigs in their home country. The band takes their harmonious pop-rock tunes to venues ranging from theatres to auditoriums and arenas throughout the month. Included on the itinerary are two-night stands in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Winnipeg.
The tour comes on the heels of the release of Blue Rodeo’s ninth studio album in 15 years, Palace Of Gold. While the band may be a new name to international audiences, they’re certainly familiar to anyone who’s hip to good singer/songwriter bands.
Blue Rodeo was formed in the ‘80s by vocalists/guitarists Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor. Although they’ve been around for two decades, the core lineup of Cuddy, Keelor, bassist Bazil Donovan, keyboardist James Gray and drummer Glenn Milchem has changed little over the years.
A “new” member to their ranks is former Wilco pedal steel/guitarist Bob Egan, who officially joined the band in 1999.
Since the late ‘80s, right around the time their debut album Outskirts was released, Blue Rodeo have been steady fixtures on the North American tour circuit. With their tight harmonies, rootsy folk-rock and cry-your-eyes-out songs, they continue to collect praise and fans.