Photo: Colin James by James O’Mara
JUNO Award-Winning Bluesman Colin James Hits The Troubadour January 27 Los Angeles, CA
Ever since the November, 2021, release of his latest Stony Plain Records CD, Open Road, praise for Colin James’ latest album has only added more luster to the storied career of this multi-award-winning, chart-topping, and multi-platinum-selling guitarist. Open Road was mixed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, and the new album was released on both CD and vinyl LP formats. Colin also landed a spot on the Big Blues Bender multi-day music extravaganza in Las Vegas for a second time in 2021.
And to top it off, in May, Colin’s Open Road CD was awarded the Juno Award (Canada’s Grammy) as Best Blues Album of the Year. Open Road is nominated for a Blues Music Award in the blues-rock album category.
For a concert review of Colin James reviewed by Rock & Blues Muse See Here
After finishing an extensive American tour earlier this year as special guest with legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy, followed by a few solo US dates in the Summer, Colin and his band are soon to be embarking on a follow-up series of 2023 US dates that shine the light squarely on his prodigious talents as both a guitar player and singer.
Colin James Band US Tour Dates 2023
Jan. 26 – San Diego, CA – Belly Up
Jan. 27 – West Hollywood, CA – Troubadour
Jan. 28 – Indio, CA – Big Rock Pub (benefitting the Desert Cancer Foundation).
Jan. 31 – Felton, CA – Felton Music Hall
Feb. 1 – San Fran, CA – Great American Music Hall
Feb. 3 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
Feb. 4 – Bellingham, WA – Harold & Irene Walton Theatre at the Mount Baker Theatre
About Open Road:
Open Road is a slight departure from Colin’s last few albums and leans more into the Americana/blues/ roots categories. While it was made during a time when connecting with others was difficult, Open Road is a record that celebrates personal connections – a deeply satisfying set of original tunes written with long time collaborators like Colin Linden, Craig Northey, and Tom Wilson and reinterpretations of covers by a diverse group of songwriters including Bob Dylan, Albert King, Tony Joe White and Otis Rush.
Watch Colin James’ “Down To The Bottom” HERE
Recorded with long-time co-producer, Dave Meszaros, and showcasing the talents of players culled from James’ live and studio combos over the years, listening to Open Road stem-to-stern is like spending some long-hoped-for quality time with old friends. Accomplishing that wasn’t easy, James explains: “Dave was working in London, England, so our session times were all over the map. It’s phenomenal what technology allows you to do when you have to. My tendency is to write and record collaboratively and there’s no substitute for the energy of everyone getting together in the same room.”
Open Road mines the past and present for inspiration in equal measure. It’s also a record that finds James looking forward with determination. After two years of Covid, everyone feels more than a bit down and done. But while James isn’t immune to that feeling, the variety of blues he presents on Open Road – rather than dwelling on struggle – is meant to lift people’s spirits, encourage them to shake off the shadows, and move forward in a way that’s fiercely hopeful.
Ultimately, Open Road is a record that will resonate deeply with anyone with a pulse – whether as a balm to soothe the transition back to normal life post-pandemic as the celebration of a tradition that’s as lively and vital today as ever; or as a soundtrack to push yourself forward to meet new challenges.
What Critics Are Saying about Open Road:
“Colin James has made the record of his career with Open Road and shows us a lifetime of musical evolution and skill on every song. Do yourself a favor and listen closely because there’s a lot here to take in. Highly recommended.” – Rock and Blues Muse
“Taj Mahal once said ‘The blues makes my body feel good.’ That’s what I thought as I grooved hard to Open Road by Colin James. Yeah, he can play the blues alright, but he’s so much more. He can do the rock ’n’ roll like nobody’s business. He can get all Americana-gritty, sing a sweet country song, and he can blister his slide guitar like Blind Willie McTell. He writes profound originals and covers only the best: Dylan, Albert King, Tony Joe White and Otis Rush. The band is, in a word, superb.” – Goldmine Magazine
“If your car still has a CD player, please order Colin James’ Open Road for your next trip that will take you for at least 13 songs, and share his journey. You may wish to extend your trip to hear it again.”- Blues Music Magazine
“Colin again shows that he is a fine singer and guitarist who can turn his hand to a range of styles. If you are unfamiliar with Colin, I suggest you check out some of his previous albums which include excursions into Jump Blues, Americana and acoustic styles; meanwhile do listen to Open Road, it’s a terrific album.” – Blues Blast
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