Bruce Cockburn and me
Posted by gazza on August 30, 2006
For the past 30 years I have been a huge fan of Canadian singer songwriter Bruce Cockburn. In the mid-70s Cockburn’s album In the Falling Dark was reviewed in Rolling Stone. I was so taken with the review that I went out and bought the album, having never heard him play or sing a note before. I was not disappointed. I absolutely loved that album and still do, having played it hundreds of times over the years.
When Cockburn came to Australia to play at the Port Fairy Folk Festival in March 2004, I was lucky enough to see both performances. I went backstage with my mate Dave and we shook his hand and chatted briefly. Cockburn even signed my CD copy of In the Falling Dark, which I thought was pretty special.
It’s hard to say why I like his music so much. I think I just admire his ability to use words so well – he paints pictures with them at times and at other times he is very forthright. The verses just seem to stay in my head and I really like listening to the same lines every time I hear my favourite songs. There are many, including World of Wonders, If I Had a Rocket Launcher, Tokyo and Gavin’s Woodpile. I also thoroughly enjoy Cockburn’s guitar – he is a class instrumentalist.
I know he is revered in Canada and I’m quite amazed that he isn’t better known in Australia. Those who know his work generally share my admiration for his artistry and his amazing body of work. Cockburn, of course, has a social conscience and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. He is definitely an artist for our times. Long may he continue to write and play great songs.
His official website is here.
The Cockburn Project website is here.
