Blue Rodeo's Keyboard Legends Join Forces for Unique Tour Experience
In a rare musical convergence, Bob Wiseman, the original keyboardist for iconic Canadian band Blue Rodeo, is sharing the stage with the band's current keyboard player, Mike Boguski, on their Two Pianos, No Rodeo tour. The collaboration brings together two distinct eras of Blue Rodeo's history, offering fans a unique perspective on the band's evolution and the individual artistry of both musicians.
A Tribute to the Goddess of Slide
Wiseman's recent work includes a heartfelt tribute to the late Ellen McIlwaine, known as the Goddess of Slide. His song Me and Jimi, while referencing Jimi Hendrix in the title, serves as an homage to McIlwaine's remarkable but often overlooked career. McIlwaine, who performed with Hendrix and other notable musicians, spent nearly three decades living quietly in Calgary, where she worked as a school bus driver until her death in 2021.
"The song is about me lamenting the fact that I never saw her play live," Wiseman explains. "I admired listening to her and realized she was in her 70s driving a school bus when she should have been celebrated. They should be naming schools after Ellen McIlwaine."
The documentary The Goddess of Slide by Alfonso Maiorana has sparked renewed interest in McIlwaine's legacy, highlighting her influence on the music world despite her under-the-radar lifestyle.
From Blue Rodeo to Solo Exploration
Wiseman's departure from Blue Rodeo in 1992 marked the beginning of a diverse and unconventional solo career. With a dozen albums, numerous soundtracks, and ongoing academic pursuits toward a PhD, he has carved out a path as a musician's musician, much like McIlwaine. His playing on Blue Rodeo's first four albums is remembered for its unhinged virtuosity, adding a distinctive edge to the band's early sound.
Mike Boguski, who joined Blue Rodeo in 2008 as the band's fourth keyboardist, brings his own style to the mix. The two pianists have known each other from the Toronto music scene, making this tour a natural collaboration that bridges generations of Canadian music.
Embracing Musical Intuition on Tour
When asked about crafting setlists from his extensive catalog, Wiseman emphasizes flexibility and spontaneity. "You follow your intuition," he says. "I usually have a blueprint, but I'm ready to abandon it and give in to the moment. Sometimes you sense something might happen that you couldn't predict, leading to unexpected song choices or audience interactions."
This approach reflects Wiseman's artistic philosophy, which values creative freedom over rigid planning. The tour, which includes a stop at the Blues Can, promises an intimate and dynamic experience, showcasing the pianists' individual talents and their shared connection to Blue Rodeo's legacy.
Legacy and Influence in Canadian Music
The collaboration between Wiseman and Boguski not only celebrates Blue Rodeo's enduring impact but also highlights the broader narrative of Canadian musicians who pursue their artistic visions regardless of commercial pressures. Wiseman's admiration for McIlwaine underscores this theme, as both artists have followed unconventional paths that prioritize artistic integrity over mainstream success.
As the Two Pianos, No Rodeo tour continues, it offers fans a rare opportunity to witness the convergence of past and present, with two keyboardists whose contributions have helped shape one of Canada's most beloved bands. The tour is a testament to the lasting power of music and the connections that transcend time and lineup changes.
