Trinity Revisited [CD/DVD]

Cowboy Junkies | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 26, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Zoe Records
• ASIN: B0011XFOGU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,538 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Trying to recapture the lightening in a bottle that was the Cowboy Junkies’ The Trinity Sessions for its 20th anniversary would have been futile. Instead, the band reconvened in the same Toronto church where that now classic, nearly magical session occurred--this time with a camera, light crew, and famous friends--to play the songs again. Guest vocalists/musicians Natalie Merchant, Ryan Adams, Vic Chesnutt, and longtime associate Jeff Bird (who contributed to the original) bring their spin to various tunes, resulting in a CD/DVD package that’s arguably just as emotionally powerful, if maybe not as arresting, as the 1988 release. Twenty years of honing this material adds depth and maturity to the arrangements that, while fundamentally similar, have ripened with time and age. They have also lengthened. "Sweet Jane" stretches from about four minutes to almost nine, and "Working on a Building" expands to over six. The extra time provides a wider palette for the band to paint its melancholy yet intense soundscape. Merchant takes sole lead vocals and plays piano on a chillingly stripped down "To Love is to Bury," Chesnutt gives "Postcard Blues" a dose of his gritty soul, and Adams brings twang to the sparse "200 More Miles." The accompanying DVD is beautifully lit and shot, adding visual resonance to the music. A 45-minute documentary fills in historical blanks with a roundtable band interview, rehearsal footage, and other fly-on-the-wall video captured during the three-day project. It’s a nearly perfect tribute to a nearly perfect album that quietly kick-started the Cowboy Junkies’ impressive career. --Hal Horowitz

Product Description

CD with Bonus DVD. On November 27th, 1987 the Cowboy Junkies set up a single microphone inside the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto, Ontario and in one day recorded what would become the Trinity Sessions. Now 20 years later, the Cowboy Junkies have returned to the Church of the Holy Trinity to re-record their most famous work with the help of special guests Ryan Adams, Natalie Merchant, Vic Chesnutt and Jeff Bird. This time around the band brought some extra mics and a camera crew along, and the result is a very special two disc set (CD and DVD) filmed in high-definition video and mixed in stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound which captures the essence of the Cowboy Junkies and their landmark album as never before. a Bonus documentary about the making of the album is also included.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars There are Spirits in this Place February 27, 2008

By JG

Format:Audio CD

I remember buying "The Trinity Session" LP 20 years ago as if it was just a couple of weeks ago. It got quite a bit of press because of its recording location, a church dating back to the 1800s, and also because of its unique recording using just a single microphone. I played that LP time and again, marveling at the special ambience the Cowboy Junkies had created.

One reviewer back then pointed out that the Cowboy Junkies' name evokes a hippie country sound. Before the Cowboy Junkies came along, there were other hippie country or country stoner musicians who had blazed the trail. The Junkies' sound pays homage to Gram Parsons, Neil Young, and of course Lou Reed (not that Lou Reed fits into the aforementioned genres, but the Junkies' version of "sweet Jane" certainly does.

On this re-visiting or re-creation of the Trinity Session, special guests Ryan Adams, a hippie country artist in his own right, Natalie Merchant, and Vic Chesnutt bring a new dimension to this special album. As jaw dropping as the original Session was, this is even better. The sound is nothing short of incredible...the instruments and voices swirling around you as you listen in the car or at home.

When Neil Young played the then renovated Bass Auditorium in Austin (which was later released as "Silver and Gold"), he commented that "...this place is like a musical church....it's new, but there are spirits in this place....".

There really are spirits in this re-recording of the Trinity Session. Put the disc or DVD in, and you'll hear it for yourself.

67 of 73 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Cowboy Junkies Head Back to Their Roots February 26, 2008

By Jeff Feezle

Format:Audio CD

1987 was a watershed year for the Cowboy Junkies. Their tremendous boost from Saturday Night Live's performance of Lou Reed's immortal classic "Sweet Jane" propelled the CJ's into alt-rock icon status nearly overnight. Their success was also due to the underground cult hit: "The Trinity Sessions" which had a stripped, lo-fi approach to acoustic alt. Filmed in the Church of the Holy Trinity, the recording sounds almost as if it was an `afterthought', like the band performed from their heart, respectfully quiet for the surroundings, but almost as if they didn't even know they were recorded. That was largely the appeal of this live performance. Natural, base and real.

20 years later to the day, the Cowboy Junkies release a new CD/DVD combo of the same set of songs, performed at the same location, but with additional music stars of indie rock. Ryan Adams, Natalie Merchant, and the imponderable Vic Chesnutt all contribute their nuances to this powerfully understated set.

The original recording was a 5-star CD, absolutely, if for no other reason than the importance it played in acoustic- alternative music. This new 2008 recording is sort of `dessert' for the fans of the original. My advice is to buy the first one first, get used to the music and the haunting originality of it, THEN buy this combo set so you can fully appreciate what it is truly about. In a way, "Trinity Revisited"'s purpose is more self-congratulatory than it is a necessity, and I say that being a full fan of the Junkies owning all of their music.

The DVD is a great Surround Sound experience: both high-definition recording and a `Making Of' documentary add great value to an already good value for $16. Still, it's sort of ironic that the naked original was remade in such a grandiose way.

There is no doubting that the first `Trinity Sessions' was an important recording, but the new release is primarily geared for Junkies junkies that already know what to expect.

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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Two performances alone are worth the price March 28, 2008

By Aurelio T. McKewon

Format:Audio CD

For me, the quality of two of the performances is worth the price of the DVD. They are "Misguided Angel" and "200 More Miles".

In Misguided Angel, Margo alternates the lead vocal with Natalie Merchant, except at the end when they harmonize, and believe me, the result is outstanding. It is better than the original. The vocals are complemented by the whole band, but Jeff Bird in particular plays beautiful harmonica and strings.

In 200 More Miles, Ryan Adams performs one of the most transcendent and talented vocals I have ever witnessed. His clear articulation allowed me to hear words not comprehensible in the original. I have never heard a more emotional or angst-ridden treatment of lyrics, with the possible exception of the pre-Army Elvis, country music's George Jones or Wynonna Judd.

The beautiful stained-glass and altar of the Trinity Church are a great backdrop for the performances, which are tinged in blue floodlight. Others may find some of the other songs appealing. Criticism is subjective, this is just my two cents. But I would have gladly paid fifteen bucks just to have Misguided Angel and 200 More Miles to watch over and over again.