Chasing the Sun
Colin James
Stony Plain SPCD1499 (stonyplainrecords.com/colinjames)
This is exciting music by renowned Canadian blues singer, songwriter and guitarist Colin James in this, his 21st release. Many famous guests also perform and compose here with James in seven blues/rock originals and four covers.
Opening Protection grabs one’s attention as James (electric guitar, vocals) Colin Linden (electric guitar), Darryl Jones (bass) and Charlie Drayton (drums) perform energetic grooves, and James is joined by legendary singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams who co-wrote the tune. A contrasting quieter vocal verse leads to a loud chorus with backup singers Ann and Regina McCreary, instrumentals, guitar solos and James’ wailing vocals to upbeat ending. Instrumental Devilment, composed by Linden and Paul Reddick, starts with repeated descending guitar lines and drums. An elaborate harmonica solo by guest Charlie Musselwhite follows and gradually becomes syncopated bluesy swing and morphing into classic closing bass line and final drum crash.
In My Own Dream by Paul Butterfield is a trio with James and Linden on guitars and Janice Powers on keyboards. This song has slower close ensemble playing with James singing, guitar flourishes and reflective feel. Closing track Open Your Mind by James and Tom Wilson is a group performance with James’ clear vocals and words, interest boosting Drayton drums, straightforward James and Linden guitars and Jones bass instrumentals, and McCreary backup vocals. Colourful performance to gradual decrescendo softer ending and fade to James’ closing words.
James’ amazing musicianship keeps developing new blues sounds and Chasing the Sun is fun, energetic blues-to-rock music.
