TORONTO - Reliability is perhaps not the most flattering word word you could use to describe a band, but it definitely applies to Blue Rodeo -- in a good way. When you go to a Blue Rodeo show, you know you're going to hear some sweet singing from Jim Cuddy, some gnarly extended guitar freakouts from Greg Keelor, some rock-solid playing from the rhythm section, some tasteful pedal steel and, more likely than not, some wigged-out keyboard workouts.

That's been the case throughout the two-decade-long career of the local heroes -- who will be inducted into the Canadian music industry Hall Of Fame in March -- over 10 albums and several personnel changes. And it was certainly the case last night at Massey Hall, the first of a three-night hometown stand at the storied venue.

Like many long-lived, well-loved bands, Blue Rodeo relies on a delicate balance between two distinctly different singer-songwriters, and their best moments usually involve the beautifully balanced harmonies of Cuddy and Keelor, whether on a hushed acoustic country song or a big rock number.

The show opened with the two of them keeping up a sprightly pace on duelling acoustic guitars for What Am I Doing Here, Photograph and the beautiful Cuddy heartbreaker Bad Timing, before performing a respectful cover of the traditional gospel song Somebody Touched Me.

Then they kicked things up a notch for Rena, from the band's latest album, Are You Ready, and an elongated In Your Eyes, which featured solos from new keyboardist Bob Packwood -- who was embraced by the crowd as if he'd been part of the band for years, and indeed played with a little of the virtuoso flourishes of original member Bob Wiseman -- as well as bassist Bazil Donovan and steel guitarist Bob Egan.

From then on it was a parade of hits, of which there are many, with a brief acoustic interlude for My Dark Angel and Rodney Crowell's Til I Gain Control Again. And apart from a slight stretch by Cuddy to reach the high notes on Try and Head Over Heels, it seemed nearly effortless.

The show came to a head with Diamond Mine, which showcased Packwood's organ playing amid a psychedelic light show and a brief but crazy departure into jazz and Yes-style prog rock. Luckily, Cuddy swiftly carried the crowd back with his chestnut Til I Am Myself Again and I Will, immediately followed by the show's high point, Hasn't Hit Me Yet, which featured nearly the entire crowd singing the first verse and the chorus at high volume. You can't ask for more than that.