N.L. audiences some of the 'most musical,' says Jim Cuddy
When Blue Rodeo takes the stage at Mile One Centre in St. John's on Wednesday, it will be a special performance for the band.
Frontman Jim Cuddy says shows in Newfoundland and Labrador are always special, and audiences in the province are among the best the band plays to.
"We certainly know a lot about regionalism in this country because we've travelled so much, but why certain areas are more musical than others I've never really been able to understand," he told CBC Radio's Weekend AM while on the road in Hamilton, O.N.
"But, I would say that Newfoundland and Labrador are one of the most musical audiences that we play — the ones that sing in tune, clap in time, that seem to be most enthused by whatever dynamic you're presenting."
Cuddy said the band pours more energy into a performance when an audience is more receptive. The excited and responsive crowds in the province, Cuddy said, show the quality of the people.
"People from away always say, when you start a conversation with a Newfoundlander, it's as if you are continuing a conversation, not starting a conversation. That level of friendliness is also quite unique, the whole experience is great," he said.
Cuddy said Wednesday's performance will be a more theatrical show than previous trips to St. John's, with a mix of old favourites and new songs.
"This is the one time we're really bringing all our gear out to the Rock … often we just have it shipped in for the day," he said.
"As with all our concerts, we try to give people a lot of what they want and expect and some stuff they don't expect. There'll be songs that'll be reworked, there's a big acoustic part in the middle that we have really great players, and it kind of goes scene by scene."
Travel a challenge
Getting to and from the island can be a challenge, however, and after coming to Newfoundland in the winter a number of times, Cuddy said the band and crew have learned to plan ahead and make the best of their time.
"Nobody ever comes to the Rock on the day of the show — too risky. We do allow at least a day on either side of the concert, if not two," he said.
"We've had guys stuck on the ferry for 12 hours. I was there during the Junos when people were stuck there for three or four days, which is never a hardship, I was actually a little disappointed my flight got out."
Blue Rodeo's latest album 1000 Arms also has a visual connection to Newfoundland and Labrador, as it features a photo of the Fogo Island Inn and was designed by St. John's graphic artist Jud Haynes.
As for his extra time in St. John's while on tour, Cuddy said he plans to spend some time visiting and "wandering around" the city.
"I have lots of friends there, dinners to go to, hockey to play, so I like to get out there for a few days," he said.
