Blackie and the Rodeo Kings Host a Royal Summit

In their native Canada, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings are considered a super group of sorts, thanks to the individual reputations of the band’s three main prime movers — Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson, each a superb singer/songwriter/musician in his own right. On this side of the border however, awareness is far more fleeting and notoriety is practically non-existent. So while fans back home may question the need for additional star power, the tact ought to boost their Stateside stature considerably and hopefully draw attention to their superb sound. 

Just like the earlier Kings and Queens, which drew from an impressive list of top tier female singers,  the aptly named Kings and Kings boasts an impressive list of marquee names — Bruce Cockburn, Eric Church, Rodney Crowell, Raul Malo, Nick Lowe, Jason Isbell, Vince Gill and Keb Mo, chief among them. Credit whoever had the phonebook that was used as a resource. Still, while Kings and Kings is indeed a star studded summit, it’s also one that finds the band holding their own without yielding the spotlight. That’s mainly due to the material, all of which was written within the confines of the band itself. Indeed, the tracks are arranged in such a way as to give both the band and their guests equal opportunity to shine, without allowing anyone to effectively steal the show. 

That in itself is pretty impressive, but thanks to a superior set of songs, one that’s delivered with heartfelt conviction and a nuanced narrative, there’s not a single instance where the focus is diverted away from the melodies. Whether it’s the weary repose of “A Woman Gets More Beautiful”  and “Long Walk To Freedom” (with Bruce Cockburn and Keb Mo, respectively), the deliriously haunting “High Wire” (sung by Raul Malo) or the drive and determination inherent in “Live by the Song” (featuring Rodney Crowell), it all adds up to a superior setlist. Even if they had been left to their own devices, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings would have a masterpiece on their hands regardless. 

So while there’s no doubt Blackie and the boys can fall back on a masterful marketing ploy, suffice it to say they can also rely on their own devices going forward. Hopefully, going forward  Kings and Kings will bring them the royal treatment they deserve.