Tom Wilson, Colin Linden and Stephen Fearing, three of Ontario's top contemporary musicians, created a stir when they combined into a temporary band called Blackie & The Rodeo Kings to create a tribute album for singer-songwriter Willie P. Bennett. United by their love of Bennett's music, they released High or Hurtin': The Songs of Willie P. Bennett (1996). The album is electric--one of the finest folk-rock albums released in recent years. The trio trade off on lead vocals and presumably each member was responsible for arranging his particular cuts. Image Fearing singing "Lace and Pretty Flowers," Linden singing "Music in Your Eyes," and Wilson singing "Blackie & the Rodeo King" and you've got the picture. With Willie P. Bennett himself backing the boys up on harmonica and mandolin.

High or Hurtin'
1996 True North (TNSCD 0115)

Come On Train; White Line; Lace and Pretty Flowers; Has Anyone Seen My Baby Here Tonight?; Music in your Eyes; Job Disorder; For the Sake of a Dollar; Blackie & the Rodeo King; Rains on Me; Stealin' Away; Country Squall; Faces; Turnkey; Driftin Snow 71:55