© 1996 Edmonton Journal
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The main-stage program was packed with a choice array of singer-songwriters - from moody to raucous acts, including a surprise appearance from Bruce Cockburn who guested with Blackie & the Rodeo Kings - while worldbeat acts served as excellent bookends. And drinking in six major acts in about five hours couldn't have been finer than the warm, relatively clear weather afforded. By the time Joan Armatrading was ready to show it felt like revelry was in the air.
(non bruce stuff)
Blackie & the Rodeo Kings - Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden and Tom Wilson's tribute to songwriter Willie P. Bennett - had their start just last year so the all-star trio might deserve the "best new band" award for their three-guitar lineup. No rhythm backing meant they could get as gentle or forceful as Bennett's compelling repertoire allowed and still get the words out easily.
But powerful as this trio was the dience was even more hyped when they introduced a guest Rodeo King - Cockburn (a guest on their debut disc), who came out smiling in his khakis to lay down a couple of wonderfully melodic electric guitar solos without joining the vocalists. A few standing ovations weren't enough to get them back for encores but they sure hit the right chords with the crowd.
(more non bruce stuff)