© 1996 Richmond Times Dispatch
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Though venues may vary from intimate studios to 20,000-seat pavilions, the thrill of performing is the key to these selections.
Some singer/musicians vamp with each other and some simply perform unexpected songs. Better still, most are performed with instruments plugged into amplifiers.
Bruce Cockburn rearranges his "If I Had a Rocket Launcher" for a duet rendition. Performing on vocals, lead guitar and wind chimes, he is joined by Colin Linden on rhythm guitar. Cockburn introduces the song with a classical guitar motif. It artfully eases him into the vocal throes of political disgust.
He supports Youssou N'Dour on guitar and vocals for a stirring take on Bob Dylan's "Chimes of Freedom." In this instance, N'Dour is backed by his large ensemble as well. Cockburn reappears on Nanci Griffith's homespun "Goin' Back to Georgia."