Pumping out classic rock Canadian style, The Guess Who proves that American rock ‘n’ roll does not have to come solely from the U.S.A. Playing 4 nights at the Pabst Light Stage at the Iowa State Fair, these Winnipeg-based rockers put on a top-notch performance for an energetic crowd.

They started the show with “Star Baby” as a warm up. The volume was respectable and the band was elegantly humble, letting the music do the high-energy work. They then went into “Clap for the Wolfman”, and the crowd was more than happy to do just that. The medley-esque “Rock and Roll Classic”, off the new album, followed, with the band juggling Hendrix riffs and tossing off lyrics from classic rock ‘n’ rollers Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Elvis.

Then the band kicked into high gear with the mind-blistering classics, “No Sugar Tonight” and “Undone” (“She’s come undone…”). They played a few more, introducing the band during a rendition of “Feelin’ Alright.”

They finished off the set with (what else?) “American Woman”, leaving me wondering what they would do for an encore. I didn’t have to wait long. “These Eyes” and “No Time” ended a fantastic and nostalgic performance, and indisputably proved that pyrotechnics and fancy light shows aren’t necessary for quality rock ‘n’ roll.

The Guess Who have been together for 32 years, putting out 10 albums with 14 Top-40 hits. The current line-up includes only two of the original members, Jim Kale on bass and vocals, and Garry Peterson on drums and vocals. The newest members, who play on the band’s new album, are Terry Hatty, lead vocals, Dale Russell, lead guitar, and Leonard Shaw, keyboards.

The band’s new album, Liberty, was 15 years in the making. With a modern sound, the album should appeal to contemporary audiences. Conversely, it doesn’t sacrifice any of the solid harmonies and driving rhythms that helped define an entire genre of classic rock. The album sets a new direction for the band.

“The Guess Who is unwilling to be consigned to a musical footnote of a generation gone by, and continues its quest for its rightful place among the peerage of pop music,” Kale said in a press release. “We expect to be touring regularly for years to come, and there will certainly be another recording project.”

Rock on!