Mahaiwe, Great Barrington, MA
March 8, 2014
by Eric Sutter
"There are always ways to shine
without gold" is a line from the song "Take Heart" on
the Cowboy Junkies latest recording "Kennedy Suite." It is
music that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the assassination of
JFK. The song's lyrics are rambling thoughts from the perspective of
a motorcycle cop's mind on that fateful day. This Canadian band of
diverse musical influence performed at the Mahaiwe while on their
Nomad Tour in support of their latest music.
Margo Timmins is an accomplished
vocalist who, along with her brothers Michael on guitar, Peter on
drums and Alan Anton on bass, has pursued an artistic vision of
brutally honest music from light and darker realms. In particular,
the lyrical angst of "F##k, I Hate The Cold" testified.
"We Are Selfish" featured
voice, strummed acoustic and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Bird's
harmonica. He proved a valuable asset whether on harmonica, mandolin
or percussion. "Demons" worked a quiet intensity with
Timmins' vocals out front. "Damaged From The Start" was a
relationship song about bruised and battered hearts. On the lighter
side was "Late Night Radio."
