Just got home from the National Cathedral in Washington DC. Tonight Bruce Cockburn was the first show in a new series of concerts being put on there. I went with my folks, and two of my brothers and their wives were also there.
For those unfamiliar with Bruce, he's a Canadian singer-songwriter and a fabulous guitar player. He sometimes plays with a band, but he was solo this evening, just him and four acoustic-electric guitars. Two 6-strings, a 12-string and a dobro-style metal-body guitar. I tried to get a close look at his guitars and rig after the show, but I was shooed off the stage before I could see what he was using.
He's a very environmentally and socially conscious guy. He's traveled extensively in the Third World, and has written many songs about his experiences there. Tonight he did a lot of songs from his latest album, Life Short Call Now, and some old favorites. In spite of the major echo in the Cathedral (it's great for a choir singing the Halleluia Chorus, but not so good for one guy with a guitar), it was a fantastic show! It was supposed to be 90 minutes, he went for about 100 minutes, then came back for a 20-minute encore. My mom leaned over to me and said "I don't think he wants to go!" We sure didn't want him to! Just amazing how much music one guy with a guitar can put out. Not sure how long a tour he's on, but if he comes your way, I highly recommend you check him out! He's one of the best of the many fine artists Canada has put out. He made me want to write songs, and I don't write songs!
PS His name is pronounced "Coburn". The "ck" is silent.
