Review: Colin James ‘Chasing the Sun’
By Hal Horowitz
It has taken way too long for veteran Canadian bluesman Colin James to receive recognition in America.
This is a guy who, at just 24 years old, broke out of the blocks as one of Canada’s biggest blues stars (his first set from 1988 was the fastest selling debut in the country’s history). Thirty-six years and some 20 award-winning albums later he’s not just still going strong, but the terrific Chasing the Sun (available August 23) might be his finest offering yet. Perhaps it will provide much needed stateside visibility to one of contemporary blues/roots music’s most vibrant and consistently engaging players.
James has gradually shifted from a youthful, fresh-faced Stevie Ray Vaughan-styled slinger, to a graying, Americana roots pop-rocker with blues influences. Along the way he has touched musical bases from big band swing, to acoustic Delta blues and even a few Christmas discs, all of which were driven by his youthful vocals (somewhat similar to those of Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook) and stellar guitar playing.
Despite his unfair obscurity in the States, James keeps plugging away. “I chose a road and I never looked back” he sings on the easy flowing, soul dressed “I’m Still Alive,” from this, his 21st (!) release; it’s as good an explanation as any for his longevity.
Being in the industry for decades, allows him to connect with other critically acclaimed musicians, a few of whom bring their talents to Chasing the Sun. Lucinda Williams, Rolling Stones bassist Daryl Jones, harmonica icon Charlie Musselwhite along with drummer (and occasional bassist) Charlie Drayton (Keith Richards) are aboard for these sessions. Longtime James producer and fellow countryman Colin Linden is a key component to the project’s success. He adds omnipresent second guitar besides helming the controls and coordinating the overall spacious musical feel from his Nashville home studio.
James sets the vibe on the opening “Protection.” Lucinda appears to assist on her own tune (recorded a decade ago), trading verses, then singing a duet with the guitarist, as the chugging rhythm section lays down an effervescent beat. It’s a wonderful version, arguably better than Williams’ own, and her presence shows her dedication to James’ cover. This refreshed recipe takes the tune into slightly more commercial waters, which might bring it more attention.
Musselwhite’s harp infuses his expert authenticity into “Devilment” (a Linden/Paul Reddick composition) that gets a bluesy pop kick. The harmonica master also leads us to the Delta for the acoustic, stripped-down, rural take on John Hammond’s “Come to Find Out.” A similarly earthy approach highlights James’ cover of Paul Butterfield’s “In My Own Dream,” a cool choice that melts like butter. His smooth vocals and Linden’s multiple guitar accompaniments bathe it in a 60s folk/psychedelic edge. Beautiful stuff and a wonderful find.
James goes full Al Green on a superb, soulful “How It Feels to Be Loved.” Jim Hoke’s subtle sax brings extra moodiness as Drayton and Jones lay down an elastic Memphis backbeat so authentic you’d think it was sampled from an old Hi label B-side. On the aforementioned “I’m Still Alive,” he takes pop/blues cues from B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone.”
The guitarist opens up on “This Song Kills Hate,” the disc’s hardest rocking selection. The chugging blues rocker with strong political overtones in the lyrics of “We’re marching in the street/Without a law or a rule/Led to the edge of the end/By the words of a fool” takes us back to James’ earlier six string gunslinger days.
In “Too Far Gone” James enhances a sentimental ballad with tasty fills balanced by Michael Hicks’ B3 organ and gorgeous backing/duet vocals from Ruby Amanfu. The closing, hypnotic, “Open Your Mind” (the album’s title is taken from its lyrics) is an emotional and affirming gem that takes us down to the wilderness swamps as two McCrary sisters bring a fistful of portentous church with their gloomy vocals.
It’s ominous and emotional, leaving the listener with a final bookend to a diverse testament for Colin James’ talents. All of which are captured in the stirring, blues-based Chasing the Sun.
Pre-order Chasing The Sun Here
“Devilment”
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