In 1986, the Cowboy Junkies released their debut album - the blues influenced Whites Off Earth Now!! on their own label. They toured in support of the record and were exposed to various country greats including Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams. That music would inspire the material for their second release, The Trinity Sessions, which was recorded in Toronto's Holy Trinity church in one fourteen hour session. The record included covers by Williams, Patsy Cline and even the Velvet Underground, thus demonstrating early on how the Cowboy Junkies can put a fresh spin on familiar songs and somehow make them distinctly their own.

"We've played a lot of churches over the years," cited Margo relaying how the band has been invited to play in many houses of worship like the one that resulted in The Trinity Sessions record. "But this place is creeping me out a bit - it has the same smells as the Catholic Church we attended as children."

"God help us," Margo continued before playing the brand new "Brand New World", one of several new songs, that started out slow before transitioning via a creative blend of weird effects and mesmerizing instrumentation that built up to Margo's howling finish. "This is the first time we're playing this song, anywhere!"

Continuing the nostalgic recollecting the band thanked the audience for supporting them over the years as 2006 is their twentieth anniversary. Over these past two decades the Cowboy Junkies have released over a dozen records and they have built a dedicated following which has allowed them to pursue their own unique musical muse.

"I think ours is a healthy success story, it's not a flashy one - we never had an enormous hit but that's probably the reason we're still around," explained guitarist Michael Timmins describing the band's honest and versatile approach to alternative country rock music that keeps their fans coming back. "We've been able to do what we want with our integrity in tact."

The Cowboy Junkies performed new and old songs during their two-hour show!

The Cowboy Junkies were on tour to support their 2005 release, Early 21st Century Blues, which features nine covers and two originals. The idea behind the record was to compile songs that relate to war, violence, fear, greed, ignorance and loss to touch people and give a ray of hope during these turbulent times. The tracks were recorded over a five day period with tapes running allowing the live mood of the lyrics and melodies to flow freely and the style of the album harkens back to their landmark 1987 release, The Trinity Sessions.

The Cowboy Junkies opened the two-hour set with "Shrike" a new song that might be on their upcoming record due out in 2007. "Shrike" featured expressive instrumentation in a melancholy melody with poetic lyrics. "Cause Cheap Is How I Feel", with its distinct drum and harmonica opening, was quickly recognized by the crowd and the steady rhythm carried the tune along with stand out mandolin parts before Michael Timmins quietly took the lead on his guitar.

Margo mentioned that their latest record Early 21st Century Blues is mostly covers of artists that they have been listening to for a long time prior to performing a subdued but powerful version of Bob Dylan's "License To Kill". "I'm So Open" blended a mix of tempos including a funky groove. It was followed by "Spiral Down" and "Blue-Eyed Savior" both songs that they are currently working on that "may or may not make it on the new record." Both were multi-faceted and musically compelling and hopefully they will make the 2007 release.

Going back to The Trinity Session The Cowboy Junkies played Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry", which was slow and sweet, flowing into "Hunted" with its colorful instrumentation and changing tempos. A rare "Witches" was well received by the astute and attentive audience at the Outpost. Carrying on Michael and Margo performed the poignant "You're Missing", penned by New Jersey's own Springsteen, as Jeff Bird accented the song with his heavy harmonica playing.

Margo mentioned that one of her favorite records is Joni Mitchell's Blue before singing her own impressive version of "River". Amazingly, she made the song her own, as Jeff on mandolin and Michael on guitars added to the beauty of the interpretation. "Cutting Board Blues", with its more up-tempo grooves, allowed the boys to jam as Margo sipped some tea. They closed the set with "Just Want To See" and U2's "One". The encore included the Junkie classics "Misguided Angel", "Sun Comes Up It's Tuesday Morning" and the rousing "Common Disaster"

After the concert the Cowboy Junkies were available for a meet and greet, extending an eclectic evening of music that started with an eight song set from fellow Canadians Finlayson/Maize, whose latest record was produced by Michael Timmins and features other members of the band throughout.

The evening started off with an interesting coincidence as peace activists were holding an anti-war protest on the corner of Church Street in Montclair prior to the show. Commuters were honking and cheering their support for the two-dozen citizens who were gathered to put their first amendment right in action to call for an end to the War in Iraq and elsewhere.

It is upsetting that this century has started of in such a warlike manner, resulting in the blues for many. At least times like these result in great and inspired music like the Cowboy Junkies' mournful and meaningful Early 21st Century Blues!

April 2006 war protest in downtown Montclair, New Jersey.

Related Links: For more information on Cowboy Junkies and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- CowboyJunkies.com | Early 21st Century Blues | Outpost in the Burbs

(Originally Published on April 23, 2006)