Jim Cuddy, Royal Wood and Oh Susanna @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
Six Shooter Records' Outlaws & Gunslingers Showcase featured a series of triple-threat rounds, with Blue Rodeo's Glenn Milchem and Bazil Donovan acting as backup band. The evening's first improvised trio was made up of another one-fifth of Blue Rodeo (Cuddy), a piano-tinkling crooner (Wood) and a darling indie folkster (Oh Susanna).

Grade: 86

Comment:
It was only 9 p.m., but Lee's was already packed. Six Shooter inarguably hit the jackpot with this superstar team-up idea. Cuddy, who declared himself official spokesman for his band, announced, "We're a recently formed supergroup. We're going to call ourselves Eurasia."

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: G
Pronunciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: E
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
These five were tighter than you'd expect from a recently-formed band. The only lack of foresight was in Oh Susanna's duties. When she wasn't playing her own songs or singing back-up, she was just standing around waiting. The respites did at least give her time to think up some dirty jokes with Royal Wood's name. Cuddy was a somewhat demanding frontman, and eventually decreed jealously that his new name would henceforth be Royal Cuddy.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: G
Composition: E
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
It wasn't much of a shock when these three hit the high watermark for singing ability by their third song. The set was an enjoyable mix of Wood's piano balladry, Oh Susanna's gentle folk and Cuddy's barn-burning country-rock. Highlights included Cuddy's "All I Need" and "Walk Like You Don't Mind" (a Blue Rodeo song), Wood's "Juliet" and Oh Susanna's "Greyhound Bus."

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposable Fashion: E
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Someone should start a contest to try and find a picture of Wood without a tie on. I'd put up the reward money myself and not worry very much about losing it.