Colin James is one of Canada’s premiere recording artists and live performers. With a career spanning over 30 years, James has won multiple Juno Awards, including for “Best Blues Album,” 30 Maple Blues Awards, was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2013, has recorded 20 studio albums and was credited with launching the swing revival.
The Colin James Trio visits the Yates Memorial Centre Apr. 7.
“When I do the trio shows, I’m always really excited about it because they’re so different from the other shows. We still try to rock it up, the best you can with three people. But I’m allowed to do material I would not normally do in a larger setting,” says James.
Right now, James is loving life when it comes to touring with four unique musical line-ups, including a four-piece blues band, a five-piece band, the occasional one-off Little Big Band shows and the trio show. “I love every single one of these shows and every one of them is completely different.”
The trio performances have taught James how to pace a show. “We do two sets with the trio show. It affords me the luxury of speaking a bit between songs. I’ve never been one to love to talk too much on stage. These shows have taught me it’s OK. You can explain a song a little bit before you start it. I love these shows.”
According to James, the trio performances have been built around secondary markets. “I’m always shocked by how much fun I have.”
“Lately, we have a tiny drum kit we bring out. The bass player plays drums and bass at the same time. We have a bass drum with a kick pedal and a snare drum with a kick pedal. The poor bass player in my band has to play both at the same time,” says James. “I have some sympathy.”
As for live Canadian music, James says there used to be a vibrant club scene for younger bands. “There was a day when I was super excited to play the Town Pump in Vancouver, which is only a 300-seater.”
“Live music will always continue to go on, there’s just less venues,” James adds. “When I started out, I could go into a city as an unknown and play for a whole week. I could go from Monday to Saturday at one club and give myself a chance to gain an audience. People don’t do that anymore. You’ve got one night and that’s it.”
What’s in store for 2024? James says a new album will be released in the fall. “I started a record in November in Nashville, which is done.” The new album, James notes, has an incredible star-studded cast, including Charley Drayton (who has played with Bob Dylan and Keith Richards), Darryl Jones (from the Rolling Stones), Reese Wynans (Stevie Ray Vaughn’s keyboardist) and Lucinda Williams.
“Just a great cast of characters,” says James.
“It’s definitely a blues record, but it’s mostly original. I think nine out of the 11 songs I wrote. I’m really happy with it. Colin Linden co-produced it with me. I’ve known Colin since I was 13 years old. When you work with somebody you have that connection and past with, it’s super gratifying,” says James.
For more information visit enmaxcentre.ca. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.