Colin James, photographed performing at Salle Wilfred Pelletier as part of the 40th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal.
When asked about the future of the blues, James is more than optimistic. “The best thing about the blues tradition is that that it’s handed on. Something that means something to you will mean something to someone else down the line.” Colin James’ recent chart success with Miles to Go is a case in point and he couldn’t be happier. “You never know when the blues is going to come around and kick things up again.”
Spill Magazine
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When the 54-year-old blues rocker strutted down the aisle to the stage during the opening boogie instrumental to kick off the set, it was obvious he can still deliver blues by the bushel. Gone is the baby face with the Teddy-boy haircut that used to charm his female fans, replaced by a more sculpted visage crowned with a salt-and-pepper flat top. Despite frequent criticism over his status as a legitimate blues performer, given that his riffs are more reminiscent of ZZ Top than Otis Rush (a blues legend that James keeps tapping for inspiration), the Regina guitarist showed he still had the chops. Leads continue to be effortless, and the onstage moves still speak more to adrenaline than contrivance, to keep even the most mildly dedicated patron paying attention.
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