Gifts that Grow
Help Farmers Half a World Away Plant Seeds of Hope
14 December 2008 -
This holiday season, give a Gifts
That Grow to your colleagues, friends, and family, and help people in the
developing world build a better life for their loved ones.
Bruce Cockburn supports USC Canada - and so can you! For years, Bruce has
been giving to USC Canada, a charity that promotes social justice in rural
communities in developing countries.
You can give seeds, livestock, clean drinking water, or support farmers' rights and biodiversity by going online to
http://www.usc-canada.org/giftsthatgrow.
Give the Gift that Grows! Join Bruce, USC, and rural people in poor
countries to build a better future. When you give your gift, we will send an
E-card to the recipient, letting them know you've given a present in their
name.
Give the gift Gifts
That Grow that keeps on growing!
News from Bernie Finkelstein - The Solo Live CD & Bio Dvd
14 November 2008 -
It's a double CD called Slice O Life and should be out around the last week of March 2009.
It will be on True North in Canada and Rounder in the US and through various others outside of North America.
Here's the track listing for the Bruce Live Solo CD, Slice O Life. The record features an interesting peek inside a Soundcheck. [Songs marked with ** are new songs. And ++ indicates stories about the songs.]
Disk One
1 Intro
2 World Of Wonders
3 Lovers In A Dangerous Time
4 Mercenary Story++
5 See You Tomorrow
6 Last Night Of The World
7 How I Spent My Fall Vacation
8 Tibetan Side Of Town
9 Pacing The Cage
10 Bearded Folk Singer Story++
11 End Of All Rivers
12 Soul Of A Man
Disk Two
1 Wait No More
2 City Is Hungry**
3 Put It In Your Heart
4 Tramps In The Street Story++
5 Wondering Where The Lions Are
6 If A Tree Falls
7 Celestial Horses
8 If I Had A Rocket Launcher
9 Child Of The Wind
10 Tie Me At The Crossroads
Soundcheck
11 12 String Thing - Soundcheck including a small part of The Trains Don't Run Here Anymore
12 Kit Carson - Soundcheck
13 Mama Just Wants To Barrelhouse All Night Long
from ~ Bernie Finkelstein, www.finkelsteinmanagement.com.
[The content was recorded at these shows.
More info on these shows is on 2008 Tour Dates Archive]
We continue to work away on the TV show but it won't be a DVD until we
do a television license and I can't predict when that will be but certainly not until later next year (2009).
It may well turn into two shows. One a documentary and one a concert film. Nothing is certain yet.
There is a possibility of some (tour) dates in the Southwest US in April but nothing is yet confirmed. Stay tuned.
Bruce has just finished recording a track for an upcoming tribute CD to the Band. He did a little known Band song called Sleeping and
it's done with Blue Rodeo backing him.
He also just finished recording a track for the upcoming Mississippi Sheiks tribute CD being put together by Steve Dawson (Zubot & Dawson etc.).
[More info here.]
I'm not sure when either project is coming out but both tracks sound
great and Bruce had a fine time doing them.
The last few shows Bruce did were all very successful and we all had a
good time and felt all of the shows were good and Bruce remains in
good spirits. [More info here.]
We don't have any other shows on the schedule for now as Bruce is
spending time writing etc.
from ~ Bernie Finkelstein, www.finkelsteinmanagement.com.
Bruce Recording for the Tribute Album to The Mississippi Sheiks
13 November 2008 -
Bruce just finished recording a track for the upcoming Mississippi Sheiks tribute CD being put together by Steve Dawson.
Daniel Keebler, of The Woodpile and www.brucecockburn.org was there, and has more photos. The song that Bruce chose to cover is called, Honey Babe Let The Deal Go Down.
Photo (right) used with permission by Daniel, thank you.
2 December 2008 - Steve has more photos up at his blog.
Return to Nepal
14 November 2008 - I contacted Kensignton Communications for information on the release of the DVD - Return to Nepal, and they said "We haven't solidified the release date for Return to Nepal just yet, but we should know in the next week or so." So I will keep checking. And when it is available, you'll be able to purchase it at their web store.
Meanwhile it seems you can purchase it through USC-Canada. Send orders to:
USC Canada, attention Kate Green, suite 705, 56 Sparks street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5B1 Canada.
$25 each plus S&H of $ 4.95 for a total of $29.95 if we need to mail them out within North America.
For extra long distance, people should write to me directly and we can figure out the shipping costs.
The figures are in Canadian Dollars which is preferred, but the equivalent in US money order is fine too.
The format is the North American one, but that can be watched on any computer that has a media player program – which most do.
Related Links
Nepal
USC- Gifts That Grow
Cockburn returns to humanity of the Himalayas by Eric Volmers, Calgary Herald
www.BruceCockburn.org
Recent Show Interviews & Reviews
14 November 2008 - The last 3 gigs Bruce played were benefit concerts. Here's a synopsis with links to articles and interviews.
On 20 September 2008 on Mt. Nemo in Burlington, Ontario Bruce joined Sarah Harmer and others for a benefit show for PERL (PROTECTING ESCARPMENT RURAL LAND). Graham Rockingham of the The Hamilton Spectator has written a great article about this show.
"Cockburn, looking like an old Zen master, added his own 40-minute solo set, delivering an acoustic guitar showcase with the instrumental Where All The Rivers End (End of All Rivers). He pulled out some old favourites like Tokyo and Wondering Where The Lions Are, as well as some eco-appropriate songs like If A Tree Falls and Beautiful Creatures."
On 2 October 2008 at the Wild Horse Theatre in Fort Steele, BC. Bruce gave a benefit show for the Jumbo Wild Campaign. Lindsay McPherson of the Invermere Valley Echo has a great article titled Cockburn loud and clear on Jumbo.
And Daniel Keebler has posted another good read by Wendy Stueck of the Globe & Mail. (scroll down to early October dates for this one). One quote, "I can't see any kind of logic to this," Mr. Cockburn said recently in a telephone interview from Ontario. "You're going to build a 6,500-bed resort on a melting glacier at a cost of millions or billions ... a huge investment going into this resort at a time when the viability is draining out of ski resorts across the continent."
Another CockburnProject reader sent us the following report :
Tie Me at the Crossroads, Planet of the Clowns, Mines of Mozambique, Give It Away, If a Tree Falls, Baghdad, Kit Carson, and Put It in Your Heart. [Some new songs were played during the sound check as well.]
Here's the main gig report.
The concert opened with a traditional greeting from the local First Nation
whose traditional territory includes the Jumbo Glacier. Everyone was
especially concerned about grizzly bears. An elder gave a talk and said an
opening prayer. "Grizzly bears hold everything for us." The elder made
some remarks about being back in Fort Steele and the memories there. He made an
impassioned speech about wanting to show his grandchildren grizzly bears,
not just pictures of grizzly bears. "Let the grizzly keep what he has."
Set list ::
Shipwrecked at the Stable Door, Lovers in a Dangerous Time,
Tokyo, Don't Feel Your Touch, Last Night of the World (Bruce made some remarks that his vocation and avocation and travel taking him far away from his home and loved ones and he can't be there for them.) World of Wonders, Beautiful Creatures, Dream Like Mine (dedicated to all First Nations), End of All Rivers, Give It Away, Kit Carson, Put It in Your Heart (he came alive on this one), Wondering Where the Lions Are, If a Tree Falls, Mystery,
Encore ::
Child of the Wind (where he had to stop and retune. He said the song was
going to sound really horrible really soon if he didn't.) , Slow Down Fast, Anything Can Happen (he didn't remember the order of the lyrics, but didn't seem to be concerned).
He only had the green Manzer and the 12 string, so that might have influenced the song choices.
On 4 October 2008 at the Farquhar Auditorium - University of Victoria, in Victoria, BC, Bruce Cockburn and retired General Romeo Dallaire, both University of Victoria honorary degree recipients, teamed up for Child Soldiers No More, an evening of song and spoken word in support of ending the use of child soldiers.
Rebecca Tucker of the Marlet wrote this report on Oct 08, 2008.
The University Centre Auditorium was granted a great honour Saturday, Oct.
4, when Lt.-Gen. Romeo Dallaire and Canadian musician Bruce Cockburn
presented their "Child Soldiers No More" benefit concert.
The faculty of Human and Social Development arranged for the two Canadians
to present their stand against child soldiers worldwide in a compelling,
passionate manner.
The first half of the concert was devoted to Dallaire's disturbing speech
about the global issue of child soldiers. After a brief intermission, Bruce
Cockburn appeared on stage and played some of his best-loved songs.
The concert opened with a short video portraying some startling details
about child soldiers, accompanied by alarming pictures of these children
holding dangerous weapons.
Dallaire was then introduced by Mary Ellen Purkis, dean of Human and Social
Development. Before he was able to say a word, the entire audience - all
1,200 people - were on their feet applauding.
Dallaire was very well-spoken, especially for someone whose first language
is not English, and the moving, charismatic way he presented his speech had
each person in the auditorium hanging on every word.
Although he did refer to his own experiences, the majority of Dallaire's
presentation was dedicated to the issue of child soldiers worldwide.
Dallaire delivered a riveting, unforgettable speech, full of insight, shock,
and even humor. His mission of calling to attention the issue of child
soldiers in underdeveloped countries was undoubtedly fulfilled at UVic.
Although he mainly focused on this problem in Africa, Dallaire ascertained
that this concern is also alive in Asia, Central and South America and
Eastern Europe, whether the children are involved in an arms war or drug
war.
The pictures shown in the presentation depicted seven-year-olds with machine
guns.
Many audience members expressed horror as they witnessed this. After his
presentation, Dallaire responded to questions, giving a thorough answer to
each query.
Canadian musician Bruce Cockburn, who has also been an activist in the
deterrence of child soldiers, also presented a stunning performance. He too
received a standing ovation from the crowd before he was able to begin his
presentation.
Cockburn astonished the crowd with his music. Although he was alone on the
stage with only his guitar, the sound completely filled the room and
energized the crowd. Some of his songs pertained more to the theme of the
concert, such as The Mines of Mozambique, as well as strumming out some
favourites such as Wondering Where the Lions Are and Lovers in a
Dangerous Time, both of which had the audience singing along.
Cockburn explained the stories behind his songs, obligingly answering the
questions audience members were shouting out. The music was gripping, and it
was evident that each and every song had a deep meaning both to the listener
and to the performer.
Halfway through Cockburn's performance, Dallaire once again took his place
on stage. As Cockburn played haunting background music.
Romeo Dallaire told a story of an encounter with a very young boy when he
was in Rwanda. Dallaire recalled his mixed emotions about this child, and
pondered the whereabouts of this boy, now a teenager.
Both men exited the stage after this brilliant coordination of music and
remembrance. Cockburn returned to play a quick encore, and then he once
again thanked the audience.
The stirring, emotional concert proved its worth in exposing the importance
of attention to these global issues.
The disturbing factors of Dallaire's speech could remain etched in the minds
of those lucky enough to witness this show, and will inevitably inspire many
people to take action.
It was evident that both men had put heart and soul into their respective
presentations, and left no dull moment all night.
~from http://www.martlet.ca/article/4979-concert-benefits-child-soliders
Related Links
The Truth is Out There by Carolyn Nikodym
Unlikely Alliance by Adrian Chamberlain, Times Colonist
Bruce Cockburn movie about Nepal screens at Planet in Focus film fest
17 October 2008 -
TORONTO — Singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn's journey to Nepal is the subject of a movie premiering at the ninth annual Planet in Focus film fest.
Over 100 environmentally focused films and videos will be screened at the festival running from Oct. 22 to 26.
"Return to Nepal," directed by Robert Lang, tracks the Ottawa-born Cockburn's trip to the country where he witnesses the effects of climate change.
The festival's spotlight program on food includes "Michael Schmidt: Organic Hero or Bioterrorist," a look at the controversial Ontario dairy farmer and his legal troubles related to the production of unpasteurized milk. A panel discussion - "In the Name of the Public Good?" - follows the film.
Films dealing with displacement and migration include "The Beggars of Addis Ababa," about women from northern Ethiopia; "Paradise - Three Journeys in This World," about illegal migrants from Mali who come to Spain; and "Eviction," about indigenous communities in Guatemala forced out of their ancestral land by the Canadian mining company Skye Resources.
The closing gala is "Are There Still Any Shepherds?" a Portuguese movie about a way of life that is in danger of fading away. The final day will also see the screening of "Welcome Aboard Toxic Airlines," a British film that explores how passengers and crews may have been subjected to unfiltered noxious air in airlines for almost 50 years.
Films will be screened at Toronto's Royal Cinema, Gardiner Museum, Bata Shoe Museum, Innis College and the Royal Ontario Museum.
~ from the Canadian Press
Related Links
www.planetinfocus.org
Return to Nepal - Kensignton TV
YouTube- Kensington TV
Bruce Returns to Nepal
Gifts That Grow
Nepal
Robert Lang
Return to Nepal screens at Banff Mountain Film Festival
17 October 2008 -
Return to Nepal has been invited to screen at the Banff Mountain Film
Festival, November 1-9, 2008. Screenings will take place during the afternoons of Saturday November 8th and Sunday November 9th. For further
details, visit the Banff Mountain Festivals.
News From Bernie Finkelstein
2 September 2008 - Bernie Finkelstein sent along some news on the upcoming solo-live recording.
This will be a double CD.
There will be a section at the end of the CD tentatively called "The
Soundcheck" which, as you can imagine was recorded during various
soundchecks and includes some chat, Bruce doing some jamming on his
twelve string and part of a old old song that Bruce has never released
in the past, as well as a great version of Kit Carson.
There is another new song on the CD called "City is Hungry".
Until the record is mastered I don't want to confirm all of the repertoire as it's still subject to change, however some of the
highlights at least for me are World Of Wonders,
Tibetan Side Of Town,
Soul Of A Man and Wait No More. But with over 18 songs on the CD everyone will have their own favourites.
There is no fixed release date yet for the CD but it could come out by
the end of this year but most likely early 2009.
The TV special and it's companion DVD will not come out until sometime
late next year (2009) but will take some time to finish. The TV world
is slower than the music world but the show is looking great but it's
moving along slowly but deliberately.
That's it for now. ~ from Bernie Finkelstein - www.finkelsteinmanagement.com
ARTISTS FOR BOB CONCERT
A concert featuring Canada’s best musicians and writers took place Saturday, 14 June 2008 at Sydenham Street United Church in Kingston. Bruce Cockburn, Susan Aglukark, David Francey, Jenny Whiteley, Joey Wright, Terry Tufts, Unity, and the Algonquin Drummers performed. The event will raise funds for Robert Lovelace, father, retired chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and Queen’s University professor, who has been imprisoned for his peaceful opposition to uranium mining in North Frontenac. All proceeds from the benefit concert will go to Bob Lovelace through a trust fund established for him by OPIRG Kingston. (Bob won his appeal and was released 2 weeks before this concert took place.)
Nancy Bouwma, frequent contributor to the CockburnProject, sent us the following report and scans of the concert program which are linked to full size pdf files.
14 June 2008 :: at Sydenham Street United Church
We were at the Artists for Bob show last night in Kingston, ON and I'm very pleased to say that Bob Lovelace was in attendance himself at the event. Bob was released on May 27th, his fines and his sentence were reduced and he was set free.
It was a very powerful and emotional evening that started with The Ardoch Algonquin Manomin Keezis singers and allies performing the Grandfaher drum. The scene was made complete with young adult dancers in ceremonial dress of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nations.
Each performer has a personal link to this whole uranium mine situation. The songs that were performed and the words that were shared left us feeling empowered and motivated to take action.
Bruce was introduced to the stage by Sarah Harmer. He stepped onto the stage and immediately broke into The Trouble with Normal. He followed with Indian Wars, Stolen Land and A Dream Like Mine. Each song was greeted with extended applause, especailly Stolen Land.
Sarah Harmer joined Bruce on A Dream Like Mine with amazing harmonies. I had never heard him tell the story associated with A Dream Like Mine before. He had been asked to write a song for a movie soundtrack based on a book that he had never read. He had a basic knowledge of the book and thought that A Dream Like Mine would be suitable. The producer did not share this line of thought and chose not to use the song, Bruce figured the deciding factor was because he had not bothered to read the book.
Bruce also shared a story about walking downtown in Kingston and running into an aquaintance. This person told Bruce that he thought maybe Bruce should rethink doing this anti-uranium mine fundraiser. The aquaintance stated that there is a world wide demand for uranium and perhaps we should consider exporting it in large quantities. Bruce reacted by saying that by exporting uranium we would be no better than the Taliban exporitng opium, they are both poison aren't they?
Each performer was limited to just a few songs so when Bruce was finished he exited the stage during the crowds standing ovation to make way for the next performer.
People may be interested to note that the event was being filmed by two different documentary film makers. CBC and CTV news were also supposed to be in attendance. ~submitted by Nancy Bouwma.
Related Links
(Artists for Bob Program in pdf format)
Artists for Bob Program
Artists for Bob Program
Artists for Bob Program
Interviews with Bruce and other online articles
Musical star-power unites for Algonquin cause
Musicians unite -
Ellen Hamilton organizes 19-song benefit disc
Released on June 14, 2008, this various artists benefit CD contains 19 tracks. Bruce contributed Stolen Land.
CDs can be ordered by contacting Ellen at Leopard Frog Studio.
The Recording Tour
16 June 2008 - Bruce was recently on the road doing several shows on the East coast which were recorded for a new Live CD and a new Bio DVD. This report comes from CockburnProject contributor, Doug, who happened to have been at 5 of these shows.
How I Spent My (Spring) Vacation
I have been a lover of music for as long as I can remember. My father, who worked at a radio station during my early childhood, had a deep appreciation for "Big Band" music, and the sounds of Sinatra and Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller filled my home. In addition to these more classic sounds, my family was also the beneficiary of the radio’s station excess "promo" records of "modern"(i.e., late 60's/early 70's) songs, and I quickly developed an appreciation for a broad range of eclectic music. This interest in music translated into a much beloved record collection of my own, as well as an early taste of the beauty of live music, which I would seek out whenever possible.
Skip ahead to 1991, when I visited a local record/CD store with a listening station, anxious to sample the new releases of the day. Turning the dial to a CD entitled Nothing But a Burning Light, I heard, for the first time, the music of Bruce Cockburn. I was immediately struck by the depth of the lyrics; the wisdom and character of Cockburn’s vocals; the superb and diverse melodies and arrangements; and, last, but not least, the spiritual longing that seemed to touch every song on that record. I went to the checkout counter to make my purchase, and was immediately hooked.
In short order, I purchased the entire back catalogue of Bruce’s music. I discovered the outstanding (although now defunct) Cockburn news letter "Gavin’s Woodpile", and my appreciation for Bruce’s music and artistry increased exponentially. I finally was able to see Bruce in concert during the Dart to the Heart tour, and have since seen him in concert dozens of times, in places as diverse as Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Pennsylvania; New Hampshire; Washington (State); and California. I have never been disappointed by a Bruce Cockburn concert, and always walk away better for the experience.
I try to see Bruce in concert whenever I can, and track both the web version of Gavin’s Woodpile and the outstanding "Cockburn Project" on a regular basis to learn about Cockburn’s tour plans. I was delighted to discover a few months ago that Bruce would be touring the in the northeast area of the U.S., as close as Sellersville, Pennsylvania (2 hours driving) and nearby New England (a mere 1 hour plane ride). Checking my schedule, I realized that by combining work and travel, I could take in five (5) Bruce concerts over a nine (9) day period, and that is exactly what I did! This is my report.
May 14, 2008: The Iron Horse - Northampton, Mass.
First up was the opening night of Bruce’s northeast tour, at the Iron Horse in Northampton, Massachusetts. I arrived relatively early, but was greeted by a long line of fans who had arrived even earlier to get the best possible seats for this general admission show. (No harm in a later arrival, though, because the Iron Horse is a very intimate venue, and there is scarcely a bad seat in the house.)
There was a camera crew outside the event talking to fans about their interest in Bruce as part of a forth-coming documentary on Bruce to be aired in his native Canada. Everyone was eager to talk, and it was apparent that this was a crowd that was very familiar with Bruce and his music.
Although I am often disappointed by opening acts (they only delay my seeing the artist that I really came to see/hear), this opening set by Catherine Maclellan was a very pleasant exception to the rule. Catherine had a beautiful and captivating voice, and her sparse arrangements and seemingly simple songs revealed a gift for writing songs that seem almost timeless. I found myself looking forward to Catherine’s opening sets on each of the following evenings.
Finally, the moment arrived for the "main act", with Bruce looking pleased to be on stage, albeit with a slight (but nevertheless apparent) awkward awareness of the multiple video cameras pointed in his direction. He was dressed in black, and surrounded by his stunningly beautiful Manzers – three, including his gorgeous sunburst 12-string -- and his bright and shiny Dobro.
Bruce was chattier than usual, which was nice, as he is such a quick wit that I often enjoy his banter almost as much as his music. Here is the set list for the first night:
Going to the Country,
Lovers in a Dangerous Time,
Last Night of the World,
See You Tomorrow,
Night Train,
Life Short Call Now,
Beautiful Creatures (spellbinding/beautiful -- full of humanity),
Wait No More (on the Dobro -- the highlight of the night. Smoking,
smoking guitar work),
Tell the Universe,
Put it in Your Heart,
Wondering Where the Lions Are,
If a Tree Falls,
Mystery,
Encore:
King Kong Goes to Tallahassee,
How I Spent My Fall Vacation (with Bruce visibly delighted with the audience’s impromptu, robust singing of the chorus’ "de-de-de-de-de-de-da-da-da-da").
If I had a Rocket Launcher,
Child of the Wind (hauntingly beautiful)
This was a very appreciative crowd, although marred by a few that were so loud that they were drowning out Bruce’s performance. But for this unfortunate distraction, it was a great musical night. ("Bonus" of the night was meeting the very talented and exceptionally gracious Colin Linden, who was off to the side acting as producer for the upcoming live CD. I have been an admirer of Colin for years, and was very glad to have met him.)
May 15, 2008: The Iron Horse - Northampton, Mass.
Same venue as the previous night, with an equally large (but more respectful) crowd. The set list:
World of Wonders (I was almost relieved to hear this song. Bruce’s acoustic rework of the title track from a much older album is a masterpiece, and stands first in line as an absolute "must" for the upcoming CD.)
Last Night of the World, See You Tomorrow (Bruce prefaced this song by commenting that "some of you were here last night, so you will have to hear this story again. I know that you were here last night because I am psychic.")
Night Train (A brilliant performance. I'll bet money that this night's version will make the live CD. Perfection; the crowd knew it and Bruce knew it. He said maybe he should stop right there and quit while he was ahead!).
Lovers in a Dangerous Time, Life Short Call Now, Beautiful Creatures (Bruce talked about writing this song while living in Montreal. He said that he came to realize that although there was no life in the concrete that he saw everywhere, there was still life beneath all of the concrete.) Wait No More (The most dazzling of all of Bruce’s performances.) Let the Bad Air Out (Played in response to a "call out" from the crowd, and appears to have been impromptu . . . ). Put it in Your Heart (Bruce struggled with the lyrics on this one.)
Trouble with Normal (Great! Fun to watch producer Colin Linden get into this song, playing air guitar along with Bruce.)
Wondering Where the Lions Are, If a Tree Falls, Mystery (I love the guitar work on this).
Encore:
End of All Rivers, Pacing the Cage, How I Spent My Fall Vacation (This song was sung with Bernie "Bernie in his dream"
Finkelstein standing 10 feet away -- how cool is that?!?
Last night I had the privilege of meeting Colin Linden. Tonight it was the privilege of meeting the legendary (and gracious) Bernie Finkelstein. It was a great night.
May 16, 2008 - Somerville Theatre, Somerville, Mass
The next morning, I made the beautiful drive from western Massachusetts to the Boston area. The venue was a beautiful old movie theater, and the crowd was large (but not sold out). Another great night of Bruce music (with the video cameras still rolling)! Here is the set list:
Going to the Country ("Let’s start from the beginning"),
Lovers in a Dangerous Time, Last Night of the World, See You Tomorrow, Night Train, Life Short, Call Now,
Beautiful Creatures (Bruce prefaced with an elaborate telling of the "last time" he took LSD. I can’t do the story justice – perhaps he’ll include it on his live CD.)
Wait No More (stupendous, as always),
This is Baghdad, Put it in Your Heart, Wondering Where the Lions Are, If a Tree Falls,
Mystery.
Encore:
Stolen Land (Smoking!), Pacing the Cage, All the Diamonds (my favorite Bruce song - downright holy).
My impressions following the show: "Bruce's guitar playing and arrangements are absolutely symphonic.
Every song -- literally ~every~ song -- is a stand-alone musical masterpiece." I returned to Maryland completely edified by three (3) magical nights of outstanding artistry.
May 20, 2008 - Sellersville Theatre, Sellersville, PA
Five (5) days later, I took the relatively easy car ride to Sellersville Theatre, with Bruce performing without the video cameras rolling. He was quite relaxed, and offered another night of musical magic. The set list:
Rouler Sa Bosse, Going to the Country, Lovers in a Dangerous Time, World of Wonders (Bruce’s acoustic arrangement has transformed this from a good song to a masterpiece.) See You Tomorrow,
Jerusalem Poker, Life Short, Call Now, Wait No More, Kit Carson, Put it in Your Heart, Wondering Where the Lions Are, If a Tree Falls, Mystery.
Encore:
End of All Rivers, If I Had a Rocket Launcher,
Child of the Wind.
The guitar playing this night was exceptional, perhaps the best of all of the shows that I saw. Another great night!
May 23, 2008 - Tumbledown Farm, Wolfeboro, NH
Last, but not least, was Bruce’s final leg of this brief northeast tour, held in the pastoral setting of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, in the beautiful Tumbledown Farm. It was a sold out show, with an appreciative crowd. The set list:
Going to the Country, Lovers in a Dangerous Time, World of Wonders, Last Night of the World,
See You Tomorrow, Night Train, Life Short, Call Now,
Beautiful Creatures, Wait No More, Kit Carson, Put it in Your Heart, Wondering Where the Lions Are, If a Tree Falls, Celestial Horses (This was, for me, perhaps the most spellbinding moment of the tour. The audience was absolutely riveted to Bruce’s account of the "Celestial Horses" – you could hear a pin drop between each stroke of the guitar and between each verse of a song that I now recognize to be a masterpiece. Here’s hoping that this performance makes it to the live CD – it was magical.)
Encore:
Pacing the Cage, This is Baghdad(in response to a request), How I Spent My Fall Vacation (with Bernie in the background looking on with approval . . .).
Summary :
Admittedly, five concerts in less than two (2) weeks may seem more than a bit self-indulgent. Indeed, my schedule is such that it is often difficult for me to find the time to see even one concert during an entire season. Fortunately for me, the stars were in the correct alignment, and I was able to make these two (2) magical weeks happen. In the final analysis, great art serves an important function for the human condition. It awakens our sense of humanity; rekindles our longing for the divine; and lifts our spirits in ways that little else can. Every night I was treated to what I believe to be musical masterpieces. Songs of such excellence and insight. Guitar playing that is beyond mesmerizing. Vocal performances that carry the songs to new heights. Whatever it is that art is supposed to do for the human soul was poured out in abundance each night, and I found myself full of appreciation for the gift of being alive. Thanks, Bruce. See you next time! ~Submitted by Doug.
Check out the 2008 Archives for more show reviews, setlists and photos.
Credits:
14 & 15 May IronHorse photos submitted by Victoria Bouffard
16 May Somerville photos submitted by Sandy in NH
~ bobbi wisby
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Previous news items featured on this page have been backed up in the News Archive section. |
Cockburn's recording and distribution company.