Blackie & The Rodeo Kings

Hailed as one of North America’s finest roots-oriented bands, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings are launching the new decade with an ambitious collaboration titled “Kings & Queens”. This release, produced by Colin Linden, pairs the band with some of their favourite female singers – and some of the biggest names in roots, blues and jazz – including Roseanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Serena Ryder, Lucinda Williams and Cassandra Wilson.
Blackie & the Rodeo Kings was formed in 1996 when Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson came together to record what was suppose to be a one- off tribute album to the great Canadian songwriter Willie P. Bennett. At the time, they had no plan to become a going concern as a band, as all three members were deeply committed to burgeoning solo careers that they had no intentions of putting on hold.
Twelve years later, while they still spend most of each year working on their individual projects, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings has evolved into one of Canada’s greatest musical treasures. They have released six CDs and gradually developed a feeling of brotherhood manifested in a sense of groove, timbral blend and melodic and rhythmic play that is distinctive, mystical, energizing and evocative. In this case, the sum is indeed greater than the parts and the parts are as good as they get. The presence of three different lead vocalists allows them to explore wide musical terrain, while they harmonize in original and thrilling fashion. Factor in Tom’s larger-than-life charisma and wise-cracking asides, Colin’s fluent yet fiery guitar work, Stephen’s spot-on vocal and guitar stylings, and the vibrantly-hued stage costumes, and you have a combination built to thrill.