WINNIPEG -- Steve Earle said sorry on Thursday night.

Sorry for the fact he missed his engagement at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in 1991 -- a time in his life when he was more interested in his crack pipe than his six-string.

"I've got a formal apology to make here," Earle said, midway through his hour-long, show-closing set at Birds Hill Park on Thursday.

"I was supposed to play here a few years back, but I didn't get on the airplane because I was too f--ed up.

"So I made sure I got here today."

With that simple, self-effacing statement, the 44-year-old renegade singer redeemed himself in the eyes of those who may have felt ripped off eight years ago.

Not that he hadn't already redeemed himself with the set of masterful, country-blues tunes he belted out unaccompanied by nothing but his guitar and his left foot.

From the opening strains of My Old Friend The Blues, through such staples as Now She's Gone and Someday, Earle's gravelly drawl and his personal, homespun and heartfelt lyrics proved as powerful solo as they are when he plays with The Dukes.

By the time he got the stark, haunting truths of South Nashville Blues, a song about his descent into cocaine hell, it was apparent that Earle is a master. His melodies are simple and sweet, his voice as much an instrument as his guitar.

That he played a troika of his best tunes -- I Ain't Ever Satisfied, Copperhead Road and Guitar Town -- to close out the night was simply icing on an already rich cake.

Earle's sterling show was the capper to the best Folk Fest opening night concert in years -- despite a cool rain which failed to dampen spirits, though it may have kept some people from attending.

Groundbreaking folksingers Kate and Anna McGarrigle preceded Earle on the festival mainstage, accompanied by daughters Martha Wainwright and Lucy and two side musicians. Though their lilting harmonies and quaint melodies recall an earlier era of pop music, the masters of elegant folk showcased both a talent and a taste that is every bit as pure and winning as Earle's.

Much the same could be said for the natty John Hiatt, who made his first festival appearance in 21 years. Whether playing mandolin, guitar or piano, this hardscrabbling veteran made the most of his gambol in the rain -- particularly with songs such as Memphis In The Meantime and Have A Little Faith In Me.

Winnipeg's SwingSoniq made the most of its mainstage set, too. The trio of Greg Leskiw, Greg Lowe and Daniel Koulack has never sounded better than it did through the festival PA. And their sharp, snappy jump swing numbers even persuaded a few hardy souls to try a rather sodden jig.

JAM! Rating: 4 out of 5