by Pat & Mark Dinges
It’s not bluegrass. And, if you’re not already a Cowboy Junkies fan, chances are this CD/DVD set isn’t for you.
However, if you “are” a fan we think you’ll appreciate “Cowboy Junkies: Trinity Revisited.” It’s an album and film celebrating (20 years later) the group’s most famous album, “The Trinity Session.” The songs are the same. But, this time several friends join them: Ryan Adams, Vic Chesnutt, Natalie Merchant, and Jeff Bird. (Even though Jeff Bird can be found on many Cowboy Junkies albums, he is not a member of the group.)
For us the DVD is the reason to purchase this set. Directors Pierre and Francois Lamoureux did a spectacular job. It includes a documentary with info on Trinity Church in Toronto, some reminiscing about the band’s early years, and much more. For the performance itself the musicians played in a circle. All equipment surrounded the players both inside and outside the circle. Lighting was perfect. After viewing the DVD, we were able to better appreciate the CD.
“Misguided Angel”
“Trinity Revisited” was meant to celebrate, not recreate “The Trinity Session”. So, it’s unfair to compare the two. But, Mark felt it worth mentioning the difference in one song. He says Margo’s performance of “I Don’t Get It” on “Revisited” just has more of something. I’d call it soul. Twenty years no doubt accounts for the added depth.
We don’t often agree on much. But, we have a shared favorite part: Margo’s voice and Natalie’s voice together make this album very special, particularly on “Misguided Angel”.
We’d recommend this set for fellow Cowboy Junkies fans. Just start with the DVD first. 😉
Rounder Records