Old Dogs, Blue Tricks

For the Blue Dogs, it's always been one big tour. Formed all the way back in 1987, these musical journeymen have paid their dues in a big way, pounding the pavement ever since, shuffling through several member changes and honing their craft in front of an audience that seems to grow with each performance. Perennial road warriors, the Charleston, S.C., band's infrequent lulls in touring have given them just enough time to cut six albums of original material, not to mention a handful of classic covers. Call it dogged dedication to a dog-and-pony show--these boys work hard.

Despite their ability to brave the rigors of an onerous odyssey--the constant traveling, the lack of free time, the occasional awful puns by snot-nose college journalists--the Blue Dogs have never been rewarded with a major record label contract. And that's precisely what makes their seventh album, Live at the Florence Little Theater, so special. It captures one night in the life of a band whose career has been defined not by chart-topping hits or national recognition, but by devotion to putting on memorable shows for their legion of hard-earned fans.

Recorded in 1998, Live at the Florence Little Theater encapsulates the Blue Dogs' entire arduous journey, showcasing the band's early acoustic and bluegrass sounds as well as a time-polished, refined electric rock. And don't forget the surprisingly soulful rhythm and blues--they do that as well. Best of all, former members collaborate as Blue Dogs past and present reunite. Every variation in style is a testament to the genre-spanning evolution of a band 15 years in the making.

The Dogs' trademark "rock On' grass" is best demonstrated on cuts like "Walter," "Long Gone Goodbye" and "Instant Armadillo Blues." And check out the musical influences on covers of The Grateful Dead's "On the Road Again" and John Prine's "Picture Show." The sound and energy will make you feel like you're actually there--and you should be next time.

Be sure to catch the Blue Dogs at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem March 21 and at the Lincoln Theater in Raleigh Apr. 5, and pick up the new album if you want to know what to expect. For the band, that major label contract may be right around the corner. After all, every dog has its day.