BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS

Kings and Queens

2011-05-25

Blackie and the Rodeo Kings shines down from Canada like the Northern Lights. What started when three established Canadian folk/roots musicians got together to record a tribute to Willie P. Bennett, has evolved into one of Canada's premier roots/folk/blues outfits. Individually, the Rodeo Kings have worked with artists such as The Band, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Fred Eaglesmith, and Bruce Cockburn. After a half dozen successful albums, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings has released "Kings and Queens,' an album of duets with hand picked music industry queens; from Pam Tillis to Exene Cervenka. The album is chock full of all the usual Rodeo Kings' strengths. From the Memphis shuffle single "I'll Still Be Loving You" to the blues/roots rock of "If I Can't Have You," "How Come You Treat Me So Bad," and "Made of Love." "Step Away" featuring Emmylou Harris is braised in the same hard luck love tension as Emmy's duets with Gram Parsons. "Black Sheep," "Love Lay Me Down" and "Another Free Woman" are strong tracks as well. Guests include: Lucinda Williams, Sara Watkins, Roseanne Cash, Amy Helm, Cassandra Wilson, Patti Scialfa, Pam Tillis, Janiva Magness, Emmylou Harris, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Holly Cole, Exene Cervenka, Sam Phillips and Serena Ryder. Reviewed By: Todd Townsend.

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