Blackie and the Rodeo Kings / Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Review – Ottawa Blues Fest – July 8th
To ensure I wouldn’t miss Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, I left Montreal a bit earlier, considering the volatility of large crowds at concerts. Unfortunately, luck was not on my side as their concert started a few minutes earlier than expected, causing me to miss their first song, “Water or Gasoline.” As I entered the Blues Fest venue, “The Kings” and Suzie Vinnick were already in full swing, performing their twangy and slide guitar-driven hit, “Stoned.”
Tom Wilson, often hailed as a “Canadian treasure” and recently appointed to the Order of Canada, led the band, accompanied by longtime guitarists and friends Colin Linden and Stephen Fearing, along with drummer Gary Craig and bassist John Dymond. These skilled musicians effortlessly tapped into a soulful gospel rhythm, mesmerizing the audience.
Appearing from the rear of the stage Daniel Lanois, a native of Hull, Quebec appeared on stage donning a white cowboy hat and playing a vintage Gibson Les Paul guitar.
Lanois showcased his memorable songs, alternating between guitar and pedal steel. He treated the crowd to performances of “The Maker,” “Lotta Love to Give,” and “Under the Stormy Sky.” Despite the concert lasting just under 90 minutes. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, along with Suzie Vinnick and Daniel Lanois, set the stage ablaze, it was a short but incredibly satisfying show, making the drive from Montreal well worthwhile.
On the same Main Stage, the international Raise the Roof tour by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss took the spotlight next. The legendary frontman of Led Zeppelin delighted fans by reinterpreting four Led Zeppelin classics, accompanied by Alison Krauss’s enchanting violin passages. They also shared music from their inaugural album “Raising Sand” and their most recent release “Raise the Roof.” Surprisingly, the duo also threw in a few reimagined Everly Brothers songs during their captivating 90-plus-minute set.
Compared to the previous night featuring Shania Twain, the crowd was noticeably smaller, providing ample space for everyone to find their comfort zone and enjoy the performances.
The festival will take a short break on Monday and Tuesday, regrouping on Wednesday with the Foo Fighters headlining as the featured artists.
Set List: Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (Suzie Vinnick and Daniel Lanois)
Water or Gasoline
Stoned
Black Sheep
Salt and pepper
Sometimes It Comes So Easy
Trust Yourself
Daniel Lanois Instrumental
Under a Stormy Sky
The Maker
Lotta Love to Give
Remedy
White Line
Set List: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Rich Woman
Fortune Teller
Can’t Let Go
The Price of Love
Rock and Roll
Please Read the Letter
High and Lonesome
Trouble With My Lover
In the Mood
Matty Groves
Gallows Pole
The Battle of Evermore
When the Levee Breaks
Encore:
Gone. Gone, Gone
Upcoming RBC Ottawa Blues Festival Events
July 12 – Foo Fighters – AJR – White Reaper – MONOWHALES – Black Joe Lewis – Lime Cordiale – My Son The Hurricane – River City Junction – Katie Tupper – Adrian Sutherland
July 13 – Mumford and Sons – The War On Drugs – Declan McKenna – Sudan Archives – Cam Kahin – Lloyd Spiegel – Loviet – Amos The Transparent – Angelina Hunter Trio – Ash Ravens – Avery Raquel.
July 14 – Charlotte Cardin – FLETCHER – Fleet Foxes – Allison Russell – Rich Aucoin – Sauce Boss – Sussex – Amanda Jordan – Pony Girl – Neha Sin – Michelle Tracy
July 15 – Pitbull – Ludacris – Julia Jacklin – HOROJO Trio – TJ Wheeler – Abby Stewart – Drew Nelson – GRAE – Joe McDonald – Billianne – Boston Levi
July 16 – The Smile – Koffee; Miss Emily – Eazy Finesse – Megan Jerome; and Steph La Rochelle – Alvvays – Paragon Cause – Avenoir – Blues in The Schools Showcase – Be In The Band Showcase
Check for ticket availability here
