NXNE Rocked Our Thursday

Blue Rodeo (3 a.m. @ Lee's Palace)

Okay, this set didn't exactly follow the "Best New Music" credo of NXNE, but this show was impossible to resist. Blue Rodeo! Lee's Palace! 3 o'clock in the morning! Plus, there wasn't much else going on that time, so what else were we supposed to do? It was no surprise that Lee's was packed with die-hard Blue Rodeo fans, many of whom had camped out in front of the stage from beginning of the night. Considering they play a Molson Amphitheatre show each summer, it was a rare opportunity to see the band in such an intimate setting. Playing for just under an hour, they thrilled everyone with a hit-packed, note-perfect show that showed why they've become Canadian legends. Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor were charismatic performers but also unselfish at the same time, allowing keyboard player Bob Packwood and pedal steel guitar played Bob Egan to ample solos and time in the spotlight. Rounded out by Bazil Donovan on bass and Glenn Milchem on drums, the whole band sounded absolutely perfect, aided by the clear mix that allowed songs like "Trust Yourself" and "Hasn't Hit Me Yet" to shine. Their set was something truly special and we have a feeling that, by years end, it'll be one of the best.–MIKE WARNER

Luke Doucet & Melissa McClelland (2 a.m. @ Lee's Palace)

The pairing of solo artists Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland was a glass half-empty/half-full scenario. On one hand, Doucet's country numbers, slow-burners drenched in reverb, were intoxicating. He had a wonderful presence, a mix of fine songwriting skills and beautiful guitar work. Unfortunately for McClelland, she was often overshadowed by Doucet, even on the songs she sung. Her songs were often average singer-songwriter fare that lacked distinction and she was unable to match the performance that Doucet put on. Because of this, their set was gratifying at times and incredibly frustrating at others.–MIKE WARNER

Kathleen Edwards (10 p.m. @ Lee's Palace)

Kathleen Edwards' next album can't come soon enough. Anyone who saw her performance and heard "I Make The Dough But You Get The Glory," a song written for Jim Bryson that contains a killer Marty McSorley reference, would have to agree with that statement. Backed at times by Bryson and Colin Cripps, both on guitar, Edwards delivered a set of new and old songs with a passion that showed she is only getting better as a live performer. She was funny between songs and that humour occasionally transferred over to the songs, leaving the thought that her upcoming album may be a little brighter than her first two. Whether it is or it isn't, it sounds so far like it will be just as wonderful as her output so far. That's all we can ask for.–MIKE WARNER

Pat the White Band (11 p.m. @ The Black Bull)

They may be a blues band, but we definitely weren't sad we checked out Pat the White Band. Hailing from Quebec, lead singer Pat the White (also known as Patrick Leblanc) belts out his tunes in an almost southern drawl instead of the thick francophone accent he speaks in. Their sound is multi-layered guitar-driven blues with spectacular harmonies that almost overwhelm the senses. They weren't heavy on the lyrics last night, instead leaning towards impressive long, complex guitar solos that left the crowd screaming. Songs like "Nothing Else To Do" had people dancing on the patio and passers-by pressing their faces up against the window to see what all the commotion was about. It was definitely a good time had by all. –AMANDA BUCKIEWICZ

Big Baby Ernie(10 p.m. @ The Black Bull)

The best part about Big Baby Ernie is that these guys look like they're having a blast up on stage. It's obvious that they work hard to put on a good show, and they have smiles on their faces the entire time. Their sound is fun, bouncy, upbeat kind of funky jazz rock melange; kind of like Otis Retting meets James Brown and then time warps to 2007 as a white man from New Jersey. During their song "Hurricane Song" a girl at the bar said that they made her want to take her clothes off and dance. Now that's a sign of a good show. –AMANDA BUCKIEWICZ

Sea Wolf (11 p.m. @ The Horseshoe)

If you were using their Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low EP as reference material, Sea Wolf were not quite how they sound on that recording. There was still the acoustic guitar, but it was often drowned out by the other instruments, including cello and accordion, that made Sea Wolf sound more like a rock band than anything else. "You're A Wolf" was a rollicking foot-stomper and not as subdued as its recorded form. The lyrics were often very dark, a tone that was echoed through the cello and accordion, leaving the band sounding like a heavier version of Okkervil River. The beginning was a tad weak, but songs like "Black Dirt" helped end their set with signs of promise, showing that Sea Wolf have a lot of potential once they nail down a cohesive sound.–MIKE WARNER

Photos of Blue Rodeo and Kathleen Edwards by Mike Warner