Recorded Live: August 2, 2008 – Newport Folk Festival, Newport, RI
On August 2, 2008, the Cowboy Junkies delivered a memorable performance at the Newport Folk Festival, which was later featured on the All Things Considered Live radio show on JamFest. This full concert recording showcased the band’s signature sound—a rich blend of alternative country, folk rock, and blues—highlighting their introspective lyrics and haunting melodies in a live setting.
Performance Overview:
The Cowboy Junkies opened their set with “Miles From Our Home,” immediately establishing a contemplative mood. Margo Timmins’ evocative vocals set the tone for the evening, drawing the audience into their introspective world. The song’s reflective nature laid a solid foundation for the rest of the performance.
Next, the band played “I Don’t Get It,” a track that demonstrated their knack for blending melancholy with a touch of defiance. This song, like much of their work, mixed poignant lyrics with compelling music, capturing the essence of their alternative country style.
As the concert progressed, the Cowboy Junkies continued to weave intricate narratives through their music. Tracks such as “Follower 2,” “My Little Basquiat,” and “Those Final Feet” showcased the band’s ability to craft deep, evocative stories. Michael Timmins’ electric guitar work added layers of texture to their sound, while Jeff Bird’s contributions on harmonica and electric mandolin enriched their performance with additional depth.
The band’s versatility was further evident in songs like “Just Want To See” and “Working On A Building.” These tracks shifted between contemplative ballads and more upbeat, roots-inspired rhythms, demonstrating the Cowboy Junkies’ ability to navigate different musical styles while maintaining their distinctive sound.
Notable Highlights:
The latter part of the set featured some of the band’s most compelling work. “Good Friday” emerged as a poignant reflection on faith and redemption, showcasing the emotional depth and introspective quality of their songwriting. Meanwhile, “Murder Tonight In The Trailer Park” illustrated the Cowboy Junkies’ storytelling prowess, with Margo Timmins delivering a particularly emotive vocal performance.
Throughout the concert, the Cowboy Junkies created a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. The sincerity and intimacy of their performance allowed each song to unfold naturally, resonating deeply with the Newport audience. Alan Anton’s steady bass lines and Peter Timmins’ dynamic drumming provided a solid foundation, enabling the other musicians to explore the nuances of their music with freedom and creativity.
The Cowboy Junkies’ live performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 2008, as broadcasted on the All Things Considered Live radio show, exemplified their unique ability to blend genres while staying true to their introspective and emotive roots. The concert highlighted their enduring appeal and their talent for connecting deeply with audiences through both their music and storytelling.
This performance was a testament to the band’s continued relevance and their skill in delivering powerful, nuanced live shows. Whether through their melancholic ballads or their more spirited tracks, the Cowboy Junkies showcased their exceptional artistry and left a lasting impression on their listeners.
Listen to the Full Concert: [Scan QR Code]
Setlist: 0:00:00 – Miles From Our Home
0:04:57 – I Don’t Get It
0:08:37 – Follower 2
0:15:39 – My Little Basquiat
0:20:20 – Those Final Feet
0:25:28 – Just Want To See
0:30:41 – Working On A Building
0:40:28 – Good Friday
0:45:15 – Murder Tonight In The Trailer Park
Personnel:
- Margo Timmins – Vocals
- Michael Timmins – Electric Guitar
- Jeff Bird – Harmonica, Electric Mandolin
- Alan Anton – Electric Bass
- Peter Timmins – Drums