Karin & Linford joined the train in Winnipeg late Sunday afternoon and were scheduled for Sunday night. Even seasoned performed have to be a bit nervous about getting settled in for a train show, having no idea what the sound would be like.

I was excited. Ever since OHIO was released I've been checking the tour schedule hoping they would come within a 3 hour drive of Toronto. With no luck. When I saw the list of bands on the train I just knew I had to be there. I've never believed in fate or karma – it's seems unlikely if there is a God that she would care what concerts I attend. But something about this trip was meant to be for me.

Karin had me with the opening notes. Chuck might be by with the setlist later. As they played the train rolled down the tracks. Part way through the too brief set they did a slow version of 'Fever' and as if on cue the train slowed. And then stopped. Silence so we could drink up each note. And we did. If the bartender could bottle this drink he would be a rich band. My favorite 'Lifelong Fling' wasn't played, but many favorites from OHIO were along with at least one new song. The music, Karin's observations in between songs and the voice. I could barely take it all in.

I've always been uncomfortable talking with bands after a show. The clichés like 'great show' don't seem to express my true feelings. Interestingly at dinner with Charlie (train organizer) and Jenn (fellow music lover and soul) that night we talked about the fact that each performer on the train was there because they love music. Not for the fame. Not for the money. The shows are honest. Real. The performers pour out their hearts and expose themselves. There are no flying pigs. No flashing lights. Just pure raw emotion and energy exposed for all. This time I knew what to say. I told them both that their music has touched me and moved me deeply since OHIO. I got a smile of appreciate that was also real.

Sometimes when you wait for something a long time you build it up in your mind and reality can never match it. This night exceeded my dreams. Those of you who get to see the band regularly are so blessed. We are all blessed to have this music in our lives.

I'm in. Hook, line and sinker. All in. And thrilled. Well I'm off to order Snow Angels.

now playing: White Horse from Live From Nowhere, Volume 1

Beautiful review, Bob. I'm so glad you had a great time. How could it be anything less than wonderful with these musicians and their true music lover fans onboard? It must have been magical.

I'll bet the whole experience was gorgeous.

T xo

Wow. Nice review.

Thanks for sharing!

P.S. Is it too late to join that Rhinestone Cowboy's cult

lmao. i hate to say "told ya so: but, "told ya so!" ready to take me up on those boots i offered you now bob?

glad you enjoyed the them, sounds like you guys had a pretty amazing couple of days riding the rails, listening to some incredible music and sharing some good times & memories among friends. still jealous.

your reviews (both here and on the CJMB have been great reads. thanks for sharing. but, i'm still really jealous.

maybe i'll get to buy you that beer i still owe you from that "yankees" bet at an OtR show someday...

Wow. I really wish I could have been on that train. I can't even imagine how overloading it must have been on the senses.

I'm really big into stimulating as many senses at one time as possible. You paint a remarkable picture what with the music, the scenery, the mood... I'm sure there were many, many, many nuances that aren't even possible to document after the fact.

Congrats on the trip, Bob. And welcome into the fold.

for those of you not familiar with bob, he is the ultimate cowboy junkies fan (cj bob = complete junkies bob) and even the craziest of us OtR fans are mere mortals in his presence (seriously) + he's just a damn good guy.

if you need proof of the "ultimate cowboy junkies fan" or "the craziest of us OtR fans are mere mortals in his presence (seriously)" statements, just take a peek HERE.

see.

Nice! You have to love a true fan site!

Thanks so much for sharing your first live OtR encounter here, Bob. See you in Dayton this weekend!

Drunkard's Prayer
Born
Anything At All
I Don't Want to Waste Your Time (new)
Nothing is Innocent (new)
The Trumpet Child (new)
Jesus in New Orleans
Trouble (new)
Fever
Orphan Girl
Hush Now (Stellas's Tarantella)
Latter Days

OTR also took part in Monday afternoon's "Favorites" set. No room for a keyboard (heck, the on-stage setlists were only 4-1/4" wide!), so Linford played guitar as well. The OTR portion was as follows (Jeff Bird, Mike Timmins and Josh Finlayson joined on some of their tunes):

What I'll Remember Most (AKA River Song Trilogy Part 2B)
Poughkeepsie
North Pole Man - Karin said this was a debut performance. Linford, Mike and Josh played guitar on this bluesy Christmas tune. Jeff played magnificent harmonica at just the right spots, the song ending with him and Karin "howling" at each other.

From Chuck: "Please post this over at the OTR board, it'll get there quicker that way."

No actually you beat us.

jealousy compounding, turning towards hatred!

just kidding! i don't believe in the "shoot the (very lucky) messenger" theory. thanks for sharing the info, this thing just keeps sounding better and better every time ya'll post something.

When you order Snow Angels you get a link so some MP3's of the drafts from Karin of the songs. North Pole Man is one of them.