Colin Linden is on his way to Alberta for several shows. We asked this beloved guitarist, songwriter, and producer about his life in music—and his CKUA connections.
Linden is known for his longevity and versatility, as a member of Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, and in his solo work. His shows in Alberta will be solo performances, and he enjoys that change of pace. “You can do the songs you want to do, and there’s an endless sense that you can go wherever you want to go.”
He mentions the opportunity for improvisation and spontaneity that playing solo offers. “And I love the dynamic range,” he adds. “You can get really quiet, and I like that. I always feel, when I listen to solo artists, I can hear the internal band. It allows you to interpret freely.”
When he’s not playing solo or with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, Linden is in demand as a producer and a touring musician. He played lead guitar for Bob Dylan during the 2013 Americanarama tour, and has worked with such artists as Mavis Staples, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Cockburn, and Emmylou Harris.
He doesn’t overthink why it has worked out so well to be busy, and to alternate between his own projects and other people’s. “I just love to play. I learned that if I could play with other people, I could play more! That evolved when I started producing records. I loved recording so much. I figured if I could make records for other people, I could make a few records a year, instead of making one record every few years.”
Linden bought his first guitar from his brother Jay, for $5, when he was about six years old. He met Howlin’ Wolf when he was eleven, and says that made him realize he wanted to be a career musician. “There was no turning back. I knew this is what I gotta do. This was something I could really work at. This is my journey.”
Largely self-taught, Linden says he benefitted from the support of mentors and friends who were generous with their time. “I didn’t have formal lessons. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the people who helped me.”
When we ask Linden about his CKUA connections, he’s enthusiastic in his praise.
“CKUA has built a huge following for roots music in Alberta,” he says. He calls Alberta the roots music capital of Canada, and says, “A lot of that is due to CKUA. They have nurtured developing artists for decades. It’s allowed me, and Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, and so many more artists, all kinds of opportunities. To have a real audience. To connect with people all over Canada, but especially all over Alberta.”
We thank Colin Linden and numerous other artists for their kind words about CKUA, especially during our Spring Fundraiser. We love chatting with you and spinning your music!
Donations from listeners keep the music playing, and they have a direct impact on the careers of local, emerging, independent, and touring musicians. Donate today at ckua.com
Colin Linden has shows coming up in Hardisty, Red Deer, Calgary, and Edmonton. Find info and tickets here.
“Angel Next to Me” is from Colin Linden’s album bLOW.
