Chasing The Sun
Stonyplain, 2024
9/10
The esteemed singer-songwriter Colin James welcomes some amazing company for these 11 songs, where Charlie Musselwhite, Lucinda Williams and Darryl Jones, among others, are in attendance for this blues fueled affair.
“Protection” starts with Willams’ unmistakable vocals alongside Colin Linden’s warm guitar for the soulful delivery, and “I’m Still Alive” follows with soothing backing vocals and Darryl Jonse’s grooves on bass, where much melody and sophistication enters.
Moving into the middle, the breezy “How It Feels To Be Loved” welcomes Charley Drayton’s precise drumming and Michael Hicks’ well timed keys for the cozy spirit, while “Too Far Gone” is a heartfelt album highlight that benefits much from Rub Amanfu’s lovely harmony vocals and James’ poetic singing and soft guitar.
Near to the end, Musselwhite’s esteemed harmonica populates the southern spirited “Come To Find Out”, and “Open Your Mind” exits with much ambience, as Ann and Regina McCrary’s expressive pipes make for a gospel flavored finish.
James made quite an entrance to music in 1988 when his debut became the fasted selling album in Canadian history and landed him a JUNO award. All these years later, the Vancouver bluesman proves that he’s still got the chops to make some excellent modern blues.
Travels well with: Brock Davis- Everyday Miracle; Seth Lee Jones- Tulsa Custom