I'm American and it is literally insane how unknown he is in this country. Bruce Cockburn has won 13 Juno Awards, Canada's equivalent to the Grammy. He is a brilliant guitar player, gifted song writer, with an important message in his lyrics. I'm blessed to own everything he has written. God Bless you Bruce. You are truly a gift from God. 🥰👍
Sadly, he's unknown here in Canada still to this day to many people, especially the under 40 crowd, who these days seem to listen to nothing but rap and hip hop, so much classic music is just being forgotten as each generation gets dumber and dumber.
I’m American, I’ve been following Bruce since 1969. There was a lot of music to catch up with back then! 38 albums now. Bruce changed my musicianship, my spirituality, my politics, and my writing. He’s a sage!
@@earlgrey3461I picked up on Cockburn in the mid 1970s through college fm radio sources. It’s wonderful how Bruce has influenced you in multiple fashions.
@@dunebillyofswanbeach4294 Bruce is such a nice guy too! I’ve had the honor of meeting him a few times now, and he’s as erudite and vibrant as you’d hope he was. I’ve been able to tell Bruce what an impact he’s had on my life- we don’t always get to tell our heroes that stuff. 😄
There's only one Bruce, and it's Cockburn. He's one of the few that have all three things going, great songwriter, vocalist and guitar player. Bruce is a Canadian gem that never really made it big in the states. Bruce drops the E to D and keeps a steady bass going with his thumb while he solos. Very difficult. Check out " Charity of Night"
@@alittlebitgone right you are! I have a vague memory of kd lang being Canadian, now that you mention it, but didn't know that the Barenaked Ladies were. Cool!
Rocket launcher is played in standard tuning not drop D. Bruce plays in a wide variety of tunings and has bullet like precision with his right hand thumb and fingers regardless of the tuning.
Bruce is my favorite artist of all time. I’ve seen him live so many times I’ve lost track. I’ve met him and have a LP cover he’s autographed a couple times. He’s an unbelievable lyricist, a humanitarian and a guitar player’s guitar player. 🙏🏼🎶
Definitely mine as well. What I've listened steadily to since High Winds and Sunwheel Dance came out, and then I backtracked for the eponymous 1971 first LP. He's got compassion, stands up for issues he believes in, writes beautiful song-poems (maybe my favourite is "Let Us Go Laughing"), and can play soaring electric (check his cover of "Blueberry Hill"), compose mysterious or delightful instrumentals, and plays a rather unique fingerstyle. A great musician.
This sounds hard to play but he s sailin quite a technique .❤ He must read alot he s a really good writer And communicator ..plus hes traveled alot you can tell ..
On one of our first, I took my future wife to see Bruce at a concert at Lakehead University, in early 1977. We are soon celebrating our 45th anniversary. and have marked the 'first date' by flying back to Thunder Bay, to attend a Bruce Cockburn concert, at Lakehead University. Bruce is part of the music of our lives
I've been a fan since 1979 when my big sister gave me a copy of Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws for Christmas. I've seen him several times through the decades - solo, trio, quartet, maybe a sextet once or twice - always different, always unique, always amazing! I was thrilled to get to meet him once after a show when he chatted with my wife and me for 10-15 minutes. Truly one of the greatest artists in the past half century!
I love that siblings introduced you to Bruce! I started listening to him in the early 80s during his stratocaster years. It wasn't cool as a 14-15 yr old to love BC, but I didn't care. But I recall the first time I ever heard DITDJs. I'd bought the tape, and was driving home as I popped into into the deck and first heard Creation Dream. I've been in love with acoustic guitar from that moment - I drove through at least one red light, mesmerized. He's been my biggest influence since that time ...
Oh, boy! I love his voice, playing and eloquent expression. He has always written what he deeply believes. Thanks for analyzing his playing with Colin Linden...it's epic.
oh wow he believes some of that stuff does he? i sure as heck do! he's only been my favorite obscure canadian recording artist since 1981, thanks to my uncle jimi! true story! i was like 16!
Back in 1979 I had a 68 Pontiac Firebird. On a Saturday my two buddies and I took a drive down I-80 out of Chicago to a town called Ottawa Illinois and visited Starved Rock State Park and "Wondering Where The Lions Are" came over the radio and the song just blew us away. We were 19 and feeling free and that song elevated that freedom in our souls. Thanks Fil. 👍❤️
Wow! So glad you chose to do a piece on Bruce Cockburn. Your commentary was excellent and insightful. There is so much to Bruce; yes he is an amazing singer, songwriter, guitarist; but also he has done so much more to make this world a better place.
My favourite artist of all time!! One of the most underrated guitarist in the music industry. So glad you covered this Wings of Pegasus and hopefully spread the word of this incredible artist. It would be a pleasure if you would react to another song of Bruce Cockburn like "Lovers In A Dangerous Time" "If A Tree Falls" "Tokyo" or many other wonderful songs by Bruce.
In 2004, I was handing out leaflets outside a Bruce Cockburn concert. Come showtime a member of his crew came out and handed me a front row center ticket. Thrilled.
I saw him performing solo...he was the first guitarist I had ever seen who played a 10-minute guitar solo and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
One of the first times I dated was with my new squeeze at a multi-artist show at Toronto's Massey Hall in 1973. Bruce Cockburn was on the bill. It was around the time of his album High Winds White Sky. His musicianship completely blew me away. Been a fan ever since.
It broke my heart that first concert he debuted the electric guitar because he was obviously going in a new, unexpected direction. As an acoustic player myself, with no affinity for a solid body, it felt like I was losing an idol. But over the decades he eventually came full circle (in the stream ;) without losing his touch on the electric. And kudos to Colin! He also is an underrated Canadian gem from all the way back to Willie P Bennett, which of course spawned Blackie and the Rodeo Kings - which of course exposed fingerstyle aficionado Stephen Fearing to an international audience 🙂
You're going to get sick of this same line. I saw Bruce live in Ottawa. It was about 7 years ago. I went to the box office to get a ticket to see him and discovered Jackson Browne was playing the same weekend. What was I to do? In the end, I picked up tickets to both shows and saw Bruce on Friday night and Jackson Browne on Saturday night and, not only was Bruce fantastic with just his guitar plus a woman on violin, Jackson Browne had quite the commentary about him. Jackson Browne said that he used to try and figure out how Bruce gets some of the amazing sounds he gets and he saw him play with a backup track and thought, "So that's how he does it", but then later on, he saw him play the same thing with no backup track and knew he was back at square one. So Bruce does have respect and admiration from a lot of his contemporaries. Canada is lucky to have him. I have loved him way longer than 1979. It's hard to pick a favee song from Bruce. Every song and album is an odyssey. Thanks for featuring him. I hope you feature him again. There is no way to cover all the fascinating aspects of an artist like that with one video.
Cannot believe you seem to be one of two reactors only who have reacted to this amazing Canadian song. Yes I’m C🇨🇦. It’s fabulous, timeless, haunting, absolutely relevant to this day. In fact things seem to be getting worse in this world we live in. Thanks for your reaction. Love from Canada 🇨🇦
I have seen Bruce in concert about 10 times, usually playing solo or with one other person. At a solo gig about 1995 in Petawawa Ontario Canada he played a version of Rocket Launcher that was really smoking and crisp and had the small audience frozen to their seats. When he was done he was sweating and turned his back to the audience, slowly wiped his face with a towel, took a drink of water, hesitated turned back to the audience with what looked like a tear in his eye and said "Tough act to follow". He knew he had nailed it out of the ball park. I so wish I could get a copy of that version. This one actually pales by comparison. Love the channel.
And James Keelaghan, and Stan Rogers, and Gordon Lightfoot, and David Francey and Leonard Cohen and Loreena McKennitt and... the list goes on. Must be something in the water.😊
@@elaineandjohn9599 Agreed, he is younger than me but he speaks authentically about the time period I grew up in. He gets it right every single time. Its like he was there and that is quite impressive
As a Cockburn fan and aspiring clawhammer/fingerstyle banjo player I appreciate the clear explanation of this performance which is so complex that it can be difficult to pick apart.
Bruce and Colin did't need back up with drums and bass, both great guitarists! Loved the sounds those two were making, BEAUTIFUL.... That was some phenomenal slide work from Colin and just enough wammy bar, blended in fabulously with Bruce'es lead work, also Bruce has a great,strong, smooth, voice, sang and played in tune, no auto tune and other backing tracks, which lacks in today's music....
Fortunately for some of us in the U.S., we live close enough to Canada to have heard some of the best musicians on Earth! I know quite a few people here in Wa. state who love Bruce Cockburn! Thank you Fil, for another great video!
I know what you mean. I live near Quebec and grew up listening to 97.7 CHOM-FM And CJFM both outa Montreal, which at the time was the largest city in Canada. I turned on to Ian and Syvia, Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush, Rush, of course, and Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Streetheart, Loverboy, and Bruce to name just a few. Alot of Americans lost out. But, thanks to the Internet folks are finding them. Rock on!🤪
I am a huge fan. He's a terrific songwriter and lyricist, a passionate singer, and a great guitar player. I play Pacing the cage. It starts with the greatest Sunset imagery I've ever heard. Sunset is an angel weeping Holding out a bloody sword No matter how I squint I cannot make out what it's pointed toward Sometimes it feels like you've lived too much Days drip slowly off the page. You find yourself Pacing the cage And at this point of my life I'm really pacing the cage
Intense lyrics. They really hit me hard. Beautiful playing as well. Bruce is the real deal obviously there. I’ve always loved his instrumentals, but I haven’t checked out enough of his protest songs.
Seen Bruce many times. Saw him a few years ago (2017?) and he's visibly older, a little crouched in his posture. But as the concert went on and on, again, still amazed at how he gave 110%, playing superbly in his own unique style, and that guy can effing rock. Legend.
Hi thanks for watching and commenting on my TH-cam channel God bless you🤗🌞 hope you don’t stop with your love and support❤️👑✏✒✏kindly drop your email address or WhatsApp contact below for more details about my upcoming album🎊 , 💫Tour or Concert🎄 🎹🎙🎷🎷🎷🎤🎻🥁🎚💛🎷🎷🎷✨💯.........
I once saw an interview with Bruce where he said that in the lead up to a tour, he is practicing 8 hours per day. That kind of skill is talent plus immense effort.
Hi Phil, I'm thrilled you covered Bruce Cockburn, love his songs. Love the spiritual and philosophical themes he writes about, particularly from his '70's and early '80's albums. Love his lyrics. He's got a great voice. There's no one like him. Saw him live twice in the mid-80's.
omg, Bruce Cockburn !! Man with a guitar and a message; love this kind of artistic writing....masterful musician !! one of my very favorite acoustic guitarist singer/songwriters ❣❣ 😍💓
Bruce is new to me Fil! But what a talent he is! Outstanding voice and an amazing guitarist! I certainly will be checking out more of his brilliance! Thanks for highlighting him Fil! Cheers Mario! 😀👌🤘🤘
To david campell. You dont knoe what your missing kid. Im gonba be 60 YEARS YOUNG in 2 weeks watch this man. And they v all it democracy. Wondering where the lyons ARE. Yhe lyon is you. Dont wait. For the good part of ypur life to START. Its hete NOW. Rockiy launcher vame out when i eas in my 20s or ealier .listen. Very important
I grew up listening to Bruce Cockburn on local radio but have to admit I didn't realize what an impressive musician he actually is! Thanks for showing that side of him. Another great video and analysis! Good stuff!
I love Bruce Cockburn! Saw him live in Bloomington, Indiana in 1999 or 2000 and again in Chicago, Illinois about a year later. He was amazing! I remember wondering how he could make such beautiful and complex music with one guitar and sing at the same time.
You can just feel his rage when he blurts "some sonofabitch would die". Bruce gives 100% every performance. Never plays it the same way twice. Such a down to earth guy. Saw him at a free outdoor concert, small venue. Someone in the crowd shouted, "We love you Bruce!" Without missing a beat, he chirps, "You fools, you." As for Colin Linden, I can be heard on his debut album, Colin Linden Live (1980, Larry's Hideaway) in the background at some point hollering out a drunken "woohoo!"
Thanks once again for putting the spotlight on an underappreciated Canadian talent, Fil. I first heard Bruce long ago at the Mariposa Folk Festival in Toronto, just as he released his first album. I've seen him a few times since and his abilities have just grown. You're right, there are very few who can combine a compelling vocal performance with such crazily masterful guitar playing and excellent songwriting. Some of his songs aren't commercially appealing (or meant to be); however, the Bare Naked Ladies had a hit with his song "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" -- check it out.
❤❤excellent I saw him a few times he s very humble as a player ...its great I m always sitting around other players examining his playing so big ears here Its like school lol😊
Thanks Fil!!...Bruce is an artist I do not know but will check out. Amazing musical ability! I believe in the power of strong lyrical messages. It is important to listen to these types of tracks and understand what the subject matter is about. Humanity cannot do better if it refuse to learn from it's historical mistakes.....✌❤🤘
Great analysis Fil, Excited... Was introduced to him at the Christian College I went to in the first half of the 80s. Was privileged to see him at the “Chestnut” in Philadelphia in 1984 and then opening for Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman in the 90s... His band on the early 80s was off the chart. In the 90s show he came on with an electric guitar and some percussion instruments that he controlled with his legs and feet... He has such a unique voice and musical personality.
How prescient still in today's situation concerning human suffering today. Great music well played is the power behind the message. Thanks for featuring this Fil.
thanks for featuring one of my fave singer-songwriters guitarists another Canadian gem Bruce Cockburn.He is a prolific guitarist and he's so political raw and honest. His songs got more spiritual as time went on. I first saw him at Mariposa Folk Festival when he was releasing his first album, way back in the 70;s. Bruce is straight from a heart and soul singer and he is underappreciated. I used to see him at the local YMCA in Toronto and in the Italian coffee shops, he was so humble I used to say hi to him.
Thank you for your excellent analysis and interpretation of Bruce Cockburns Song. Greetings from Germany. He had visited "The Rockpalast" 1985. We were enchanted by his guitar playing and his lyrics. My favorite song is "Lovers in a dangerous time".
Thank you , nice choice . Bruce’s all acoustic album , entitled Speechless, is a good listen and really highlights just his pure playing talents by themselves if anyone was interested in hearing more. Its Great that you have your favourite area of of music ,but, you just love anything that is well done in any area as well. I wish more people would branch out like that .
I have seen Bruce on stage a couple of times, and I have been left amazed at how intense his playing can get. He not only takes a song and drives it along with this intensity, but he makes this happen over and over throughout an evening and carries his show to a climax that is unforgetful.
Hi thanks for watching and commenting on my TH-cam channel God bless you🤗🌞 hope you don’t stop with your love and support❤️👑✏✒✏kindly drop your email address or WhatsApp contact below for more details about my upcoming album🎊 , 💫Tour or Concert🎄 🎹🎙🎷🎷🎷🎤🎻🥁🎚💛🎷🎷🎷✨💯.........
I have read the comments praising Bruce. Only one mentioning your analysis. Forgive me for slathering praise on another of or your brilliant videos, but I must say, you nailed the crux of this performance--that Mr. Cockburn kept the rhythm driving with just one guitar! You are an amazing historian--too young to reconstruct epic masterpieces from the distant past with such ease by my reckoning--it would be like me analyzing a performance by Benny Goodman, let's say, in 1985. I have seen Bruce live twice and both times it was with a full band. It took me a while to notice he played with only the fingers of his right hand, a la Mark Knopfler, (who he proceeded) but something lost on possibly even you, although you have acknowledged the "meaning" in the lyrics of his songs, is that people, at the time, did not go to see him for any other reason but the politics. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the playing and stage show. The greatest drummer I have ever seem him play with was at U.C. Berkeley, circa 1989. I am not sure if it is the same drummer who played on "The Trouble With Normal" or a fill-in player for the night, but I assure you, I remember his accents, timing and songmanship to this day. As an aside, because I know you have done at least two videos on Jackson Browne, Bruce has always seemed like a more honest version of Jackson. Jackson Browne was a major influence on my own songwriting and worldview, but the things I have heard through the grapevine about his womanizing have led me to disbelieve the authenticity of his entire package. Both Bruce and Jackson had relationships with John Trudell and I suspect Bruce, who produced (paid for) at least one of his live shows, was less interested in the limelight thereby than was Mr. Browne. I am not trying to be a hater here--I have worshipped Jackson Browne, almost to a fault, since my early teens but have always, always questioned his total commitment to counterrevolution, given his privileged status within the L.A. scene. If you want to hear an awesome jam listen to Tibetan Side of Town. with Fergus Jemison Marsh on stick. Cheers bro.
For the politics? I'm a Canadian fan from before Bruce's first solo record in 1970, he was frequently featured on the CBC, I'll witness to fans appreciation of Bruce's songwriting across the board. Politics is an element of his work but certainly not the essential element of his appeal to long term fans. Politics didn't take a big prominent role in some songs until much later on.
@@daevidlangdon I just reread my comments from 3 years ago and I'm quite surprised I made that statement. I didn't say it was a large reason I said it was the only reason which is of course preposterous. Bruce was one of the only people we could count on to tell the truth. He was different from Bruce Springsteen Jackson Browne Etc and I did not realize what an excellent guitar player and performer he was until I saw him live so I may have been speaking for myself regarding my first concert of his. Thank you for the correction.
"If I Had a Rocket Launcher" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn, from his 1984 album Stealing Fire. The song was inspired by Cockburn's visit, sponsored by Oxfam, to Guatemalan refugee camps in Mexico following the counterinsurgency campaign of dictator Efraín Ríos Montt.[1] Although Cockburn had occasionally touched on political themes in his earlier songs, "If I Had a Rocket Launcher" was his first explicitly political song to be released as a single, and earned him a new reputation as an outspoken musical activist. In the song, Cockburn despairs of waiting for a political solution to the crisis, and expresses the desire to take matters into his own hands. Each verse ends with a line stating what Cockburn would do if he had a rocket launcher: in the first verse, "I'd make somebody pay". In the second, "I would retaliate". In the third, "I would not hesitate". The fourth and final verse ends with the song's most famous and controversial lyric: "If I had a rocket launcher, some son-of-a-bitch would die". In a later interview, Cockburn stated that the song "is not a call to arms; this is a cry."[1] In 2009, Cockburn performed the song for Canadian troops in Afghanistan; he was subsequently presented (temporarily) with a rocket launcher.[2]
Just to be clear, the helicopters reference was to Guatemalan choppers flying over the border into Mexico and shooting at refugees on the ground. This was part of the U.S.-backed military dictatorship's genocidal campaign against indigenous people who were rising in desperation. The 2009 episode was rather sad, representing implicit endorsement of the West's invasion and occupation of a county to satisfy the neocon maniacs running the U.S. government.
TubeDisabuser, if we are not careful we will be the one’s rising in desperation. The globalists are putting their heavy boots down ready to crush western civilization.
Thanks for your analysis of Bruce Cockburn's music, style and technique. His music has been part of my life's soundtrack since I bought his album, Salt, Sun and Time, in the mid 1970's living in a shared home in Victoria, British Colombia, while in my early 20s. As a campfire guitarist, now in my late 60s, I've only recently learnt how to use a simple finger-picking style, and wonder if I can ever play even his most simple songs. I appreciate so much his spiritual reflections and his expressed concern for our world and humanity. Now with youtube music, I plan to listen to his whole catalogue and discover new gems. I've never seen him live, but I hope next time he comes to my home town of Winnipeg I'll be able to see him live. Thank you for giving Mr Cockburn the recognition he deserves.
This is so full and incredible!!! Bruce Cockburn is a fellow Canadian and a treasure! Just saw him live a month ago and it was beautifully riveting and intimate! Got to meet him too which was a dream come true! He is so rare and authentic! Love your analysis! Note: He is left handed that learned to play right handed when he first began!
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Hello Fil, I'm not a musician, but the way you explain and describe what is happening, makes this so enjoyable. You have a gift with words, and the ability to make sentences flow, while imparting knowledge to the musically unsophisticated. Like me. 🙂 Very well done, especially with an artist and song that holds so much importance to so many! ✌️♥️ 🇺🇲 Mark
Bruce Cockburn!!! Check him out 2 days ago on Paste Magazine's live TH-cam session!! I was lucky enough to see him in California about 17 yrs ago, he spoke a few words in French to me. He is Canadian royalty, absolutely mind boggling artist and guitar master. He is so subtle and humble yet somehow assertive and cuts right through about basic human rights and more. Thank you so much for your constructive analysis on his work. I hope many get to discover him, he is not getting any younger and needs all the recognition he can get. Check out his Circles in the stream album (so many great ones but this one is special to me, there is a medieval French song he performs and it's amazing, stand up bass player and just basic instruments and it's heaven on earth). He also did some great duets with Patti Griffin and some others. I can't say enough about this amazing artist!!! Merci/Thank you!!
I lived in Ottawa in the early 80s, and his album Humans was out, it has stayed as one of my fave albums.... He then followed by Inner City Front..... he started playing more electric guitar... Absolute master
Even when Bruce just plays solo, he works even harder and no other players are needed. Bruce has no voids in his music! Been listening to Bruce since the early 80’s, he’s one of the best!
It's so unfortunate that Bruce seems to be the best kept secret in music. I'm just grateful I discovered him years ago. Everything said below is true. Fantastic songs, wonderful singer and super tasty guitar playing. Fil.....I love the genuine enthusiasm you show for these great artist. I can see the joy and respect in you face. Well done mate.
Collin Linden taught me almost everything I know - and he’s younger than me (by a couple of years) Peace - from Lake Country BC, previously from London Ontario.
First time I saw Bruce Cockburn was at Berklee School of Music in Boston. Sold out crowd full of guitar students and guitar aficionados who were rhere to see a master.
You're in the same league as Mr. Beato, that's a fact. As a guitar player myself, I've always wondered what makes 90% of people deaf to Cockburn's guitar wizardry, which is astounding from whatever vantage point you care to watch.
Hey Fil, how did I not see this review when it came out? Hmmm. I don't even know how many times I've seen Bruce live. The last time was down the street from my apartment here in Greenwich Village, NY. At the City Winery. He played a solo gig, which he does more that with a band. One thing that always stunned me about his playing was his droning the D note on top of everything. I first heard this tune when it came out, I believe around 1984 or 85. I was living in California at the time and saw him at a show in Santa Cruz. I had heard a few of his tunes, Wondering Where the Lions Are and a handful of others. but when this came out, it was a hit record! And I was sucked in to try to learn to play it. It only took me about 20 years to get it right! LOL Thanks for posting this great player. I have had the chance to speak to him on a couple of occasions and he is so humble and nice. As all guitar players are. The real ones, eh? Cheers
Used to buy groceries at the Dominion store near my school, Ryerson, in Toronto in the late 70’s and see Bruce shopping. Said hello and thanks. Nice guy. Oh and nice choice Fil, thanks.
Bruce was at one his peaks at this time.... thank you for your insight into his playing and singing. I appreciate your grasp of Colin Linden's use of space and control... sometimes less is so much more!!
I'm American and it is literally insane how unknown he is in this country. Bruce Cockburn has won 13 Juno Awards, Canada's equivalent to the Grammy. He is a brilliant guitar player, gifted song writer, with an important message in his lyrics. I'm blessed to own everything he has written. God Bless you Bruce. You are truly a gift from God. 🥰👍
That's FM radio for you
Sadly, he's unknown here in Canada still to this day to many people, especially the under 40 crowd, who these days seem to listen to nothing but rap and hip hop, so much classic music is just being forgotten as each generation gets dumber and dumber.
I’m American, I’ve been following Bruce since 1969. There was a lot of music to catch up with back then! 38 albums now.
Bruce changed my musicianship, my spirituality, my politics, and my writing. He’s a sage!
@@earlgrey3461I picked up on Cockburn in the mid 1970s through college fm radio sources. It’s wonderful how Bruce has influenced you in multiple fashions.
@@dunebillyofswanbeach4294
Bruce is such a nice guy too! I’ve had the honor of meeting him a few times now, and he’s as erudite and vibrant as you’d hope he was. I’ve been able to tell Bruce what an impact he’s had on my life- we don’t always get to tell our heroes that stuff. 😄
People cannot grasp how incredibly deep this performance is 🎉
Bruce Cockburn, from True North Records and a global humanitarian.
Love him so much
There's only one Bruce, and it's Cockburn. He's one of the few that have all three things going, great songwriter, vocalist and guitar player. Bruce is a Canadian gem that never really made it big in the states. Bruce drops the E to D and keeps a steady bass going with his thumb while he solos. Very difficult. Check out " Charity of Night"
@@lynndow3185 uh... kd and BNL are Canadian
@@alittlebitgone right you are! I have a vague memory of kd lang being Canadian, now that you mention it, but didn't know that the Barenaked Ladies were. Cool!
Rocket launcher is played in standard tuning not drop D. Bruce plays in a wide variety of tunings and has bullet like precision with his right hand thumb and fingers regardless of the tuning.
I loved and followed every album from my 20's. What a poet
I am glad he didnt. He would of fallen into the corporation bs. The same he sings about.
Bruce is really the only artist I’d love to meet and say thank you.! His songs are so intimate.
I had the audacity to do just that after one of his many concerts I’ve been to. I’m so happy I did.
@@susanneward7029 I have lingered so many times, even in October I stuck around for a while in Hamilton, just hoping
Bruce is my favorite artist of all time. I’ve seen him live so many times I’ve lost track. I’ve met him and have a LP cover he’s autographed a couple times. He’s an unbelievable lyricist, a humanitarian and a guitar player’s guitar player. 🙏🏼🎶
Amen Brother!!
Definitely mine as well. What I've listened steadily to since High Winds and Sunwheel Dance came out, and then I backtracked for the eponymous 1971 first LP. He's got compassion, stands up for issues he believes in, writes beautiful song-poems (maybe my favourite is "Let Us Go Laughing"), and can play soaring electric (check his cover of "Blueberry Hill"), compose mysterious or delightful instrumentals, and plays a rather unique fingerstyle. A great musician.
This sounds hard to play but he s sailin quite a technique .❤
He must read alot he s a really good writer And communicator ..plus hes traveled alot you can tell ..
On one of our first, I took my future wife to see Bruce at a concert at Lakehead University, in early 1977. We are soon celebrating our 45th anniversary. and have marked the 'first date' by flying back to Thunder Bay, to attend a Bruce Cockburn concert, at Lakehead University. Bruce is part of the music of our lives
@@shaunbrowne3963 So cool! ✌🏼
I've been a fan since 1979 when my big sister gave me a copy of Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws for Christmas. I've seen him several times through the decades - solo, trio, quartet, maybe a sextet once or twice - always different, always unique, always amazing! I was thrilled to get to meet him once after a show when he chatted with my wife and me for 10-15 minutes. Truly one of the greatest artists in the past half century!
My older sister also turned me on to Bruce in 1977. Been a big fan ever since.
His Christmas album is a must hear too
I love that siblings introduced you to Bruce! I started listening to him in the early 80s during his stratocaster years. It wasn't cool as a 14-15 yr old to love BC, but I didn't care. But I recall the first time I ever heard DITDJs. I'd bought the tape, and was driving home as I popped into into the deck and first heard Creation Dream. I've been in love with acoustic guitar from that moment - I drove through at least one red light, mesmerized. He's been my biggest influence since that time ...
AMAZING singer, songwriter and GUITARIST... highly underrated and one of the VERY BEST!
Canadian legend and one of the best acoustic guitar players I've ever heard .. cheers for reviewing this :)
I saw Bruce about a year ago in Canada...he was alone!! I swear I heard an orchestra at times. his music is transforming..still beautiful
Oh, boy! I love his voice, playing and eloquent expression. He has always written what he deeply believes. Thanks for analyzing his playing with Colin Linden...it's epic.
oh wow he believes some of that stuff does he? i sure as heck do! he's only been my favorite obscure canadian recording artist since 1981, thanks to my uncle jimi! true story! i was like 16!
Back in 1979 I had a 68 Pontiac Firebird. On a Saturday my two buddies and I took a drive down I-80 out of Chicago to a town called Ottawa Illinois and visited Starved Rock State Park and "Wondering Where The Lions Are" came over the radio and the song just blew us away. We were 19 and feeling free and that song elevated that freedom in our souls. Thanks Fil. 👍❤️
Great story 👍
As a Starved Rock local ... I invite you to visit again (perhaps not This week though)
It's worth the trip.
Bruce Cockburn may be the greatest folk music artist of our modern era times.
Wow! So glad you chose to do a piece on Bruce Cockburn. Your commentary was excellent and insightful. There is so much to Bruce; yes he is an amazing singer, songwriter, guitarist; but also he has done so much more to make this world a better place.
My favourite artist of all time!! One of the most underrated guitarist in the music industry. So glad you covered this Wings of Pegasus and hopefully spread the word of this incredible artist. It would be a pleasure if you would react to another song of Bruce Cockburn like "Lovers In A Dangerous Time" "If A Tree Falls" "Tokyo" or many other wonderful songs by Bruce.
I saw him at Pine Knob near Detroit, he blew me away, he was playing various bells, chimes and other things with his feet......incredible talent
In 2004, I was handing out leaflets outside a Bruce Cockburn concert. Come showtime a member of his crew came out and handed me a front row center ticket. Thrilled.
I saw him performing solo...he was the first guitarist I had ever seen who played a 10-minute guitar solo and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Check out Keith don't go by Nils Lofgren. Amazing guitar playing also
I saw Bruce when he was just starting out in the mid 70s. He was primarily an acoustic player and a phenomenal one at that.
One of the first times I dated was with my new squeeze at a multi-artist show at Toronto's Massey Hall in 1973. Bruce Cockburn was on the bill. It was around the time of his album High Winds White Sky. His musicianship completely blew me away. Been a fan ever since.
It broke my heart that first concert he debuted the electric guitar because he was obviously going in a new, unexpected direction. As an acoustic player myself, with no affinity for a solid body, it felt like I was losing an idol. But over the decades he eventually came full circle (in the stream ;) without losing his touch on the electric. And kudos to Colin! He also is an underrated Canadian gem from all the way back to Willie P Bennett, which of course spawned Blackie and the Rodeo Kings - which of course exposed fingerstyle aficionado Stephen Fearing to an international audience 🙂
You're going to get sick of this same line. I saw Bruce live in Ottawa. It was about 7 years ago. I went to the box office to get a ticket to see him and discovered Jackson Browne was playing the same weekend. What was I to do? In the end, I picked up tickets to both shows and saw Bruce on Friday night and Jackson Browne on Saturday night and, not only was Bruce fantastic with just his guitar plus a woman on violin, Jackson Browne had quite the commentary about him.
Jackson Browne said that he used to try and figure out how Bruce gets some of the amazing sounds he gets and he saw him play with a backup track and thought, "So that's how he does it", but then later on, he saw him play the same thing with no backup track and knew he was back at square one. So Bruce does have respect and admiration from a lot of his contemporaries.
Canada is lucky to have him. I have loved him way longer than 1979. It's hard to pick a favee song from Bruce. Every song and album is an odyssey. Thanks for featuring him. I hope you feature him again. There is no way to cover all the fascinating aspects of an artist like that with one video.
Cannot believe you seem to be one of two reactors only who have reacted to this amazing Canadian song. Yes I’m C🇨🇦. It’s fabulous, timeless, haunting, absolutely relevant to this day. In fact things seem to be getting worse in this world we live in. Thanks for your reaction. Love from Canada 🇨🇦
I have seen Bruce in concert about 10 times, usually playing solo or with one other person. At a solo gig about 1995 in Petawawa Ontario Canada he played a version of Rocket Launcher that was really smoking and crisp and had the small audience frozen to their seats. When he was done he was sweating and turned his back to the audience, slowly wiped his face with a towel, took a drink of water, hesitated turned back to the audience with what looked like a tear in his eye and said "Tough act to follow". He knew he had nailed it out of the ball park. I so wish I could get a copy of that version. This one actually pales by comparison. Love the channel.
10 times
Joni and Bruce and Neil....what's with these Canadians having something so important to say in song? Love from America!
I would add Rik Emmett to that list with his incredible lyrics, singing and guitar mastery.
And James Keelaghan, and Stan Rogers, and Gordon Lightfoot, and David Francey and Leonard Cohen and Loreena McKennitt and... the list goes on. Must be something in the water.😊
It makes me so happy to see someone who appreciates his talent! 👍🏼
Another amazing song from one of this world's best singer/songwriter/guitarist! Gripping, perfect lyrics!
Man I really am impressed with your analysis. Great job
Nth Degree Fil is one of the best at this! 🤘
@@elaineandjohn9599 Agreed, he is younger than me but he speaks authentically about the time period I grew up in. He gets it right every single time. Its like he was there and that is quite impressive
@@elaineandjohn9599 No, Fil is 'The Best' IMHO....
Thanks!
As a Cockburn fan and aspiring clawhammer/fingerstyle banjo player I appreciate the clear explanation of this performance which is so complex that it can be difficult to pick apart.
Colin Linden playing the Strat. Another Canadian guitar hero.
Bruce is one of my top favorite artists. Those Canadians can sure write lyrics. :) Ever heard his Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws album?
Wonder where the Lions Are
Thomas McIntosh - That’s one of my favorite albums from back in the day. Great continuity and consistency on that record.
John M - Lord Of The Starfields, Silver Wheels,
@@ipsurvivor I love Lord of the Starfields. I love All the Diamonds too.
Hazel May Lebrun 👍
Bruce and Colin did't need back up with drums and bass, both great guitarists! Loved the sounds those two were making, BEAUTIFUL.... That was some phenomenal slide work from Colin and just enough wammy bar, blended in fabulously with Bruce'es lead work, also Bruce has a great,strong, smooth, voice, sang and played in tune, no auto tune and other backing tracks, which lacks in today's music....
Bingo👍🇨🇦
Fortunately for some of us in the U.S., we live close enough to Canada to have heard some of the best musicians on Earth! I know quite a few people here in Wa. state who love Bruce Cockburn! Thank you Fil, for another great video!
I know what you mean. I live near Quebec and grew up listening to 97.7 CHOM-FM And CJFM both outa Montreal, which at the time was the largest city in Canada. I turned on to Ian and Syvia, Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush, Rush, of course, and Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Streetheart, Loverboy, and Bruce to name just a few. Alot of Americans lost out. But, thanks to the Internet folks are finding them. Rock on!🤪
I am a huge fan. He's a terrific songwriter and lyricist, a passionate singer, and a great guitar player. I play Pacing the cage. It starts with the greatest Sunset imagery I've ever heard.
Sunset is an angel weeping
Holding out a bloody sword
No matter how I squint I cannot
make out what it's pointed toward
Sometimes it feels like you've lived too much
Days drip slowly off the page.
You find yourself
Pacing the cage
And at this point of my life I'm really pacing the cage
Intense lyrics. They really hit me hard. Beautiful playing as well. Bruce is the real deal obviously there. I’ve always loved his instrumentals, but I haven’t checked out enough of his protest songs.
Seen Bruce many times. Saw him a few years ago (2017?) and he's visibly older, a little crouched in his posture. But as the concert went on and on, again, still amazed at how he gave 110%, playing superbly in his own unique style, and that guy can effing rock. Legend.
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He just did a local concert and had to use a walker to come on stage. Because of his arthritis there were some songs he was unable to play.
I once saw an interview with Bruce where he said that in the lead up to a tour, he is practicing 8 hours per day. That kind of skill is talent plus immense effort.
Amazing rhythmic finger style!! Both guitars compliment each other perfectly! Love Bruces guitar sound🤘🏻Song about Guatemalan refugee camps.....
Hi Phil, I'm thrilled you covered Bruce Cockburn, love his songs. Love the spiritual and philosophical themes he writes about, particularly from his '70's and early '80's albums. Love his lyrics. He's got a great voice. There's no one like him. Saw him live twice in the mid-80's.
omg, Bruce Cockburn !! Man with a guitar and a message; love this kind of artistic writing....masterful musician !!
one of my very favorite acoustic guitarist singer/songwriters ❣❣ 😍💓
Bruce is new to me Fil! But what a talent he is! Outstanding voice and an amazing guitarist! I certainly will be checking out more of his brilliance! Thanks for highlighting him Fil! Cheers Mario! 😀👌🤘🤘
it''s cock burn, not coburn. You've never heard the guy's name pronounce before?
Won't bore you Mate! A song I loved playing as a jock! All the best from Pasadena CA!!
I've seen Bruce play almost a dozen times. Stupendous guitar player and a terrific songwriter.
Great song played well with words that apply to today's world. You have a talent for analyzing good players, you give them the respect they deserve.
Canadian here. Seen/Heard Bruce in concert about 9 times, from the early 80's to the 2000's. Always great!
He had a message and he delivered. This is almost a love song. So much passion and heart❤️
Bruce has questions and if a tree falls does anybody hear? Wondering about lions and rockets
Ottawa's own. Yes! Been a fan since the day of catching his shows at the Carleton University pubs (Ravens!).
He is someone I have not heard of. Heavy lyrics, but I appreciate all kinds of music and musical inspiration. Thanks for enlightening me.
David Campbell Canadian icon. Actually a better acoustic guitar player than electric.
Go and dig in to a real treasure box of music. You'll get lost for a while, but it will be a happy kind of lost.
David, not all heavy, but cosmic and deeply spiritual, playful too
Keep listening. Holy FUCK. This man is a GOD. Watch closselly
To david campell. You dont knoe what your missing kid. Im gonba be 60 YEARS YOUNG in 2 weeks watch this man. And they v all it democracy. Wondering where the lyons ARE. Yhe lyon is you. Dont wait. For the good part of ypur life to START. Its hete NOW. Rockiy launcher vame out when i eas in my 20s or ealier .listen. Very important
Cool. Love his style of playing.
I've always thought Bruce is one of the best guitarists in the world. I've seen him many times in concert. I've always been very impressed by him.
great player good feel like Dave gilmore
I grew up listening to Bruce Cockburn on local radio but have to admit I didn't realize what an impressive musician he actually is! Thanks for showing that side of him. Another great video and analysis! Good stuff!
I’d encourage you to actually comb through his catalogue.
I love Bruce Cockburn! Saw him live in Bloomington, Indiana in 1999 or 2000 and again in Chicago, Illinois about a year later. He was amazing! I remember wondering how he could make such beautiful and complex music with one guitar and sing at the same time.
You can just feel his rage when he blurts "some sonofabitch would die". Bruce gives 100% every performance. Never plays it the same way twice. Such a down to earth guy. Saw him at a free outdoor concert, small venue. Someone in the crowd shouted, "We love you Bruce!" Without missing a beat, he chirps, "You fools, you." As for Colin Linden, I can be heard on his debut album, Colin Linden Live (1980, Larry's Hideaway) in the background at some point hollering out a drunken "woohoo!"
Love Bruce. He played at my high school in 1971. Listen to his guitar in Tokyo. Gives me goosebumps.
Thanks once again for putting the spotlight on an underappreciated Canadian talent, Fil. I first heard Bruce long ago at the Mariposa Folk Festival in Toronto, just as he released his first album. I've seen him a few times since and his abilities have just grown. You're right, there are very few who can combine a compelling vocal performance with such crazily masterful guitar playing and excellent songwriting. Some of his songs aren't commercially appealing (or meant to be); however, the Bare Naked Ladies had a hit with his song "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" -- check it out.
❤❤excellent
I saw him a few times he s very humble as a player ...its great
I m always sitting around other players examining his playing so big ears here
Its like school lol😊
Thanks Fil!!...Bruce is an artist I do not know but will check out. Amazing musical ability! I believe in the power of strong lyrical messages. It is important to listen to these types of tracks and understand what the subject matter is about. Humanity cannot do better if it refuse to learn from it's historical mistakes.....✌❤🤘
You sure got that right. Peace Boogie Woogie
Check out his song Pacing the Cage.
Making contact or Peggy's kitchen wall there's so much from Bruce!!
Great analysis Fil,
Excited... Was introduced to him at the Christian College I went to in the first half of the 80s. Was privileged to see him at the “Chestnut” in Philadelphia in 1984 and then opening for Bob Weir and Rob Wasserman in the 90s... His band on the early 80s was off the chart. In the 90s show he came on with an electric guitar and some percussion instruments that he controlled with his legs and feet...
He has such a unique voice and musical personality.
How prescient still in today's situation concerning human suffering today. Great music well played is the power behind the message. Thanks for featuring this Fil.
thanks for featuring one of my fave singer-songwriters guitarists another Canadian gem Bruce Cockburn.He is a prolific guitarist and he's so political raw and honest. His songs got more spiritual as time went on. I first saw him at Mariposa Folk Festival when he was releasing his first album, way back in the 70;s. Bruce is straight from a heart and soul singer and he is underappreciated. I used to see him at the local YMCA in Toronto and in the Italian coffee shops, he was so humble I used to say hi to him.
Thank you for your excellent analysis and interpretation of Bruce Cockburns Song. Greetings from Germany. He had visited "The Rockpalast" 1985. We were enchanted by his guitar playing and his lyrics. My favorite song is "Lovers in a dangerous time".
Thank you , nice choice . Bruce’s all acoustic album , entitled Speechless, is a good listen and really highlights just his pure playing talents by themselves if anyone was interested in hearing more. Its Great that you have your favourite area of of music ,but, you just love anything that is well done in any area as well. I wish more people would branch out like that .
Well put, G Lepp. I think Fil is helping lots of people to do just exactly that.
I have seen Bruce on stage a couple of times, and I have been left amazed at how intense his playing can get. He not only takes a song and drives it along with this intensity, but he makes this happen over and over throughout an evening and carries his show to a climax that is unforgetful.
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I have read the comments praising Bruce. Only one mentioning your analysis. Forgive me for slathering praise on another of or your brilliant videos, but I must say, you nailed the crux of this performance--that Mr. Cockburn kept the rhythm driving with just one guitar! You are an amazing historian--too young to reconstruct epic masterpieces from the distant past with such ease by my reckoning--it would be like me analyzing a performance by Benny Goodman, let's say, in 1985. I have seen Bruce live twice and both times it was with a full band. It took me a while to notice he played with only the fingers of his right hand, a la Mark Knopfler, (who he proceeded) but something lost on possibly even you, although you have acknowledged the "meaning" in the lyrics of his songs, is that people, at the time, did not go to see him for any other reason but the politics. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the playing and stage show. The greatest drummer I have ever seem him play with was at U.C. Berkeley, circa 1989. I am not sure if it is the same drummer who played on "The Trouble With Normal" or a fill-in player for the night, but I assure you, I remember his accents, timing and songmanship to this day. As an aside, because I know you have done at least two videos on Jackson Browne, Bruce has always seemed like a more honest version of Jackson. Jackson Browne was a major influence on my own songwriting and worldview, but the things I have heard through the grapevine about his womanizing have led me to disbelieve the authenticity of his entire package. Both Bruce and Jackson had relationships with John Trudell and I suspect Bruce, who produced (paid for) at least one of his live shows, was less interested in the limelight thereby than was Mr. Browne. I am not trying to be a hater here--I have worshipped Jackson Browne, almost to a fault, since my early teens but have always, always questioned his total commitment to counterrevolution, given his privileged status within the L.A. scene. If you want to hear an awesome jam listen to Tibetan Side of Town. with Fergus Jemison Marsh on stick. Cheers bro.
For the politics? I'm a Canadian fan from before Bruce's first solo record in 1970, he was frequently featured on the CBC, I'll witness to fans appreciation of Bruce's songwriting across the board. Politics is an element of his work but certainly not the essential element of his appeal to long term fans. Politics didn't take a big prominent role in some songs until much later on.
@@daevidlangdon I just reread my comments from 3 years ago and I'm quite surprised I made that statement. I didn't say it was a large reason I said it was the only reason which is of course preposterous. Bruce was one of the only people we could count on to tell the truth. He was different from Bruce Springsteen Jackson Browne Etc and I did not realize what an excellent guitar player and performer he was until I saw him live so I may have been speaking for myself regarding my first concert of his. Thank you for the correction.
@@daevidlangdon Yes, Bruce has appealed to folks who love God for 5 decades.
A master, a monster. If guitars could speak, they would say they reached a new level of self-awareness. That's how huge Doctor Bruce is.
HE. CAN MAKE THAT AWSOME GUITAR. LIKE A BABY. WOW. 💘 ❤ LOVE THID WONDERFULL MAN. HEES THE BALLS. NIGHTFENCER GATEKEEPER. BRAINTREE MA.
HE. CAN MAKE THAT AWSOME GUITAR. LIKE A BABY. WOW. 💘 ❤ LOVE THID WONDERFULL MAN. HEES THE BALLS. NIGHTFENCER GATEKEEPER. BRAINTREE MA.
"If I Had a Rocket Launcher" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn, from his 1984 album Stealing Fire.
The song was inspired by Cockburn's visit, sponsored by Oxfam, to Guatemalan refugee camps in Mexico following the counterinsurgency campaign of dictator Efraín Ríos Montt.[1] Although Cockburn had occasionally touched on political themes in his earlier songs, "If I Had a Rocket Launcher" was his first explicitly political song to be released as a single, and earned him a new reputation as an outspoken musical activist.
In the song, Cockburn despairs of waiting for a political solution to the crisis, and expresses the desire to take matters into his own hands. Each verse ends with a line stating what Cockburn would do if he had a rocket launcher: in the first verse, "I'd make somebody pay". In the second, "I would retaliate". In the third, "I would not hesitate". The fourth and final verse ends with the song's most famous and controversial lyric: "If I had a rocket launcher, some son-of-a-bitch would die".
In a later interview, Cockburn stated that the song "is not a call to arms; this is a cry."[1]
In 2009, Cockburn performed the song for Canadian troops in Afghanistan; he was subsequently presented (temporarily) with a rocket launcher.[2]
Thank you, Bumble Rock....really wonderful information.
@@lynndow3185 Wonderful solo version here.
facebook.com/AcousticGuitarMagazine/videos/vb.62250323901/280117379352673/?type=2&theater
Yes. I remember watching them present him with the rocket launcher. The look on his face was priceless.
Just to be clear, the helicopters reference was to Guatemalan choppers flying over the border into Mexico
and shooting at refugees on the ground. This was part of the U.S.-backed military dictatorship's
genocidal campaign against indigenous people who were rising in desperation.
The 2009 episode was rather sad, representing implicit endorsement of the West's invasion
and occupation of a county to satisfy the neocon maniacs running the U.S. government.
TubeDisabuser, if we are not careful we will be the one’s rising in desperation. The globalists are putting their heavy boots down ready to crush western civilization.
Thanks for your analysis of Bruce Cockburn's music, style and technique. His music has been part of my life's soundtrack since I bought his album, Salt, Sun and Time, in the mid 1970's living in a shared home in Victoria, British Colombia, while in my early 20s. As a campfire guitarist, now in my late 60s, I've only recently learnt how to use a simple finger-picking style, and wonder if I can ever play even his most simple songs. I appreciate so much his spiritual reflections and his expressed concern for our world and humanity. Now with youtube music, I plan to listen to his whole catalogue and discover new gems. I've never seen him live, but I hope next time he comes to my home town of Winnipeg I'll be able to see him live. Thank you for giving Mr Cockburn the recognition he deserves.
One of the most powerful songs I've ever heard. Always brings a strong reaction and tear to my eye. God bless you Bruce.
Saw him live in the early '80's in NY - his version of _Pancho and Lefty_ , the Townes Van Zandt song, was especially memorable...
For a young fella you have very astute intelligent analysis of Bruce’s playing good job mate.
Man......you know your stuff. Thank you.
Check out his solo acoustic performance at Live 8 -- amazing
Crazy phenomenal guitar player!!!! In a league all of his own!!!!
Yes, and many i know consider him a better poet than Bob Zimmerman.
Incredible breakdown as usual FIL. Never realized BC was as talented a player as he was a songwriter
I've played for 10ish years, I'm deflated and inspired, I don't know how I will ever get to his level...extraordinary
Your reviews are a therapy from the daily grind and politics. You always do a thorough job without condescending. Keep them coming. Thank you !!
This is so full and incredible!!! Bruce Cockburn is a fellow Canadian and a treasure! Just saw him live a month ago and it was beautifully riveting and intimate! Got to meet him too which was a dream come true! He is so rare and authentic! Love your analysis! Note: He is left handed that learned to play right handed when he first began!
I've been following Cockburn for decades and I believe you really nailed it with your review. 👍👍
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Hello Fil,
I'm not a musician, but the way you explain and describe what is happening, makes this so enjoyable. You have a gift with words, and the ability to make sentences flow, while imparting knowledge to the musically unsophisticated. Like me. 🙂 Very well done, especially with an artist and song that holds so much importance to so many! ✌️♥️ 🇺🇲 Mark
Cockburn is such a monster player, the early 1990’s here was probably him at his technical and creative peak.
I first saw Bruce in the 1980's (Centre of the Arts) and he has moved me ever since.
Cheers mate.
Bruce Cockburn!!! Check him out 2 days ago on Paste Magazine's live TH-cam session!! I was lucky enough to see him in California about 17 yrs ago, he spoke a few words in French to me. He is Canadian royalty, absolutely mind boggling artist and guitar master. He is so subtle and humble yet somehow assertive and cuts right through about basic human rights and more.
Thank you so much for your constructive analysis on his work. I hope many get to discover him, he is not getting any younger and needs all the recognition he can get.
Check out his Circles in the stream album (so many great ones but this one is special to me, there is a medieval French song he performs and it's amazing, stand up bass player and just basic instruments and it's heaven on earth). He also did some great duets with Patti Griffin and some others. I can't say enough about this amazing artist!!! Merci/Thank you!!
Heaven on earth was his Charity of Night tour in 97 with a 4 piece band Club Bene Rt 9 NJ. Totally amazing best concert i ever been to.
Brilliant playing , brilliant performance , scary good .
Always such a treat to find someone appreciating this kind of humble talent.
Authenticity recognizes authenticity.
Every...single...time...i go looking for an iconic artist or an iconic tune...you are there already!
😂
I lived in Ottawa in the early 80s, and his album Humans was out, it has stayed as one of my fave albums.... He then followed by Inner City Front..... he started playing more electric guitar... Absolute master
Fil can really analyze these players. Rock!
Great analysis as all of them are, Fil, thank you so much for doing him.
No problem!
Excellent analysis of a master at work.
Even when Bruce just plays solo, he works even harder and no other players are needed. Bruce has no voids in his music! Been listening to Bruce since the early 80’s, he’s one of the best!
It's so unfortunate that Bruce seems to be the best kept secret in music. I'm just grateful I discovered him years ago.
Everything said below is true. Fantastic songs, wonderful singer and super tasty guitar playing. Fil.....I love the genuine enthusiasm you show for these great artist. I can see the joy and respect in you face. Well done mate.
BC is incredible ❤❤❤
Collin Linden taught me almost everything I know - and he’s younger than me (by a couple of years)
Peace - from Lake Country BC, previously from London Ontario.
one of the best you’ll ever review…
Canadian treasure
First time I saw Bruce Cockburn was at Berklee School of Music in Boston. Sold out crowd full of guitar students and guitar aficionados who were rhere to see a master.
Bruce is a treasure. His passion, skill and intellect all impress. So genuine.
Ty brother for this...
Saw Bruce in Franklin, TN last year. Solo...acoustic...as awesome as he is here!
You're in the same league as Mr. Beato, that's a fact. As a guitar player myself, I've always wondered what makes 90% of people deaf to Cockburn's guitar wizardry, which is astounding from whatever vantage point you care to watch.
Hey Fil, how did I not see this review when it came out? Hmmm. I don't even know how many times I've seen Bruce live. The last time was down the street from my apartment here in Greenwich Village, NY. At the City Winery. He played a solo gig, which he does more that with a band. One thing that always stunned me about his playing was his droning the D note on top of everything. I first heard this tune when it came out, I believe around 1984 or 85. I was living in California at the time and saw him at a show in Santa Cruz. I had heard a few of his tunes, Wondering Where the Lions Are and a handful of others. but when this came out, it was a hit record! And I was sucked in to try to learn to play it. It only took me about 20 years to get it right! LOL Thanks for posting this great player. I have had the chance to speak to him on a couple of occasions and he is so humble and nice. As all guitar players are. The real ones, eh? Cheers
Used to buy groceries at the Dominion store near my school, Ryerson, in Toronto in the late 70’s and see Bruce shopping. Said hello and thanks. Nice guy. Oh and nice choice Fil, thanks.
Bruce was at one his peaks at this time.... thank you for your insight into his playing and singing. I appreciate your grasp of Colin Linden's use of space and control... sometimes less is so much more!!
Genius Bruce