(Jim #21) — I missed the train on the Cowboy Junkies when the band’s seminal album “The Trinity Session” was recorded at Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto two decades ago. Actually, I’ve missed the train on this Canadian band pretty much completely.
I’d always heard the name, however. And recently I started listening to the Junkies’ cover of Gram Parsons’ “Ooo Las Vegas,” which is a great atmospheric masterpiece of a track.
Then I viewed a copy of the band’s new DVD, “Trinity Revisited,” recently. It’s “all aboard” time. I’m on the train now.
Atmospheric and textured are good words to describe the Junkies’ music. Oftentimes it seems like they’re cutting open songs and splaying the guts for the listener. One hit of Margo Timmins’ voice and it’s easy to become addicted. Her brother Michael is a master of richly layered guitar playing that perfectly serves his excellent songs.
It doesn’t hurt that people like Ryan Adams and Natalie Merchant stopped in to lend their artistry to the new DVD/CD project. Both were big fans and were influenced by “The Trinity Session.”
It was one of the first times I’ve really watched Ryan Adams in action. My understanding is that he’s a fountain of creativity who could probably release 20 albums a year if he wanted.
As for Natalie Merchant, when she sings it’s almost as if her voice supersedes every other instrument. It’s one of the most captivating voices I’ve ever heard.
You tend to learn a lot about a group by who they hang out with. These are some big hitters who chipped in to be a part of the return to the Holy Trinity church.
The Cowboy Junkies perform at 8 p.m. Friday (May 2) at the Cascade Theatre in Redding. Tickets range from $31 to $40.
See, Jim, a few (not many, but certainly a few) good things come out of the Great White North!
The Junkies are a very interesting band, “The Trinity Sessions” makes my Top 100 list as easily as Margo’s breathy vocals make me quiver. You should see me quiver, it’s quite a sight.
I like that word, “quiver.” In fact, when I start my own band I think we’ll call ourselves The Quivering Livers. First album would be “The Quivering Livers Live At The Livery.”
Margo can sing for us. With her in the band, nobody will notice that I don’t play an instrument…I would just stand stage right and quiver. The girls would go crazy.
Better late than never. You have opened the floodgates to some seriously great music listening. I would start at the end (“At the End of Paths Taken” and “Early 21st Century Blues”) and work my way back. These guys never let you down. Don’t miss “200 More Miles” a rocking live album with a bunch of their greatest hits, a good way to get caught up.
See you at the concert.