by Scott Roos
photos by Scott Roos
On February 24th, Colin James graced the stage at the EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts in Prince Albert, SK, delivering an unforgettable evening of blues brilliance as part of his "Chasing the Sun" Canadian tour. Kicking off the night was Hamilton rocker Terra Lightfoot, who, despite performing solo without her usual band, captivated the audience with her powerful, bluesy vocals and tasty electric guitar riffs. Her 30-minute set, which mixed both old and new material, including a few off her Juno nominated Healing Power album, marked her long-awaited return to Prince Albert after having not played here since 2019, and the crowd was clearly thrilled to see her again.
After a brief intermission, Colin James took the stage, setting the tone with a soulful rendition of "National Steel" from his 1998 album. Seated on a stool and playing electric guitar, it was immediately apparent that James was in his element. As his talented band joined him, James rose to his feet and the energy skyrocketed, and the show took off into full gear, showcasing the impressive breadth of his 35-year career.
James, a true virtuoso, continues to shine as one of the most gifted guitarists in the Canadian blues world. He effortlessly blended influences from Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Billy Gibbons, creating a sound that’s uniquely his own. The audience couldn’t contain their excitement as he played some of his most iconic songs like "Why’d You Lie," "Five Long Years," and a stunning cover of Van Morrison’s "Into the Mystic."
But it wasn’t just about James; his phenomenal backing band was a key part of the evening, offering tight rhythms that complemented his fiery performances. A special highlight was the performance of several tracks from his latest album, Chasing the Sun, including “I’m Still Alive,” “How It Feels To Be Loved,” and the powerful "This Song Kills Hate." James also treated the audience to an acoustic version of John Hammond’s "Come To Find Out," which was a highlight of the set.
One of the evening's most memorable moments came during a duet with Terra Lightfoot on "Protection," where she beautifully took on the vocals originally performed by Lucinda Williams, adding an extra layer of magic to the performance.
The crowd was treated to two encores, with the final song being the electrifying "Voodoo Thing," perhaps James’ most well known track. The energy in the room was palpable, and the audience’s enthusiasm never waned. James also added a visual element to the show, bringing his own lighting rig that enhanced the already top-notch sound and lighting at the Rawlinson Centre.
James shared with NSMZ earlier that his commitment to music has always been unwavering, even from a young age: "I decided that I would rather make a living doing this and (risk failure) than do anything else. So that was a commitment I made super early. Come hell or high water, this is going to be it." His dedication to his craft was evident in every note he played, making this performance a testament to his enduring passion.
In every sense, Colin James remains one of Canada’s most beloved blues artists. With his extraordinary guitar skills, magnetic stage presence, and a setlist that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats, this show in Prince Albert will be no doubt remembered for years to come.
