Colin James "Fifteen"

 

"Fifteen" as in number of albums released since 1988.  His first two made the only splash ever in the US, and this song from the second one in '90 had the most impact...



You don't remember it, do ya?  Didn't think so.  It was the Single of the Year in Canada.  Four of his albums are with The Little Big Band, one of which, I believe, is his highest charting to date...



Actually, that video was from the first one.  It was LBB II in '98 that climbed the highest.

It's a damn shame, quite frankly, that Mr. James is relatively unknown in the States, but it's by design.  After starting his career backed with kind praise from SRV, the early albums received major label support, but the native Canadian toured very little south of the 49th parallel.  Over the years it has become virtually zilch.  Amazing for someone who has won six Juno Awards and seventeen Blues Awards.  One would believe he'd attempt to translate some of that success to the US blues scene. 

Here's hoping that "Fifteen" will accomplish that mission, but I doubt it.  He's back on a major label again with veteran producer Joe Hardy spinning the knobs.  It is a clean, clear, crisp recording, perfectly balanced.  James' vocals are as good as ever and his pickin' is still mighty tasty.  He co-writes most of the songs on the record, but there are some notable covers.  There's a funky little version of "Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley" that Robert Palmer made famous, Peter Green's "Oh, Well" (The Rockets version from 1979 is still my favorite), and a lilting, reggae-ish "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon.  Here's the only thing I could find from "Fifteen"...



My God, that's the great Kim Mitchell?  Damn, I'm getting old...  If you don't know who CJ is, you won't know Mr. Mitchell, either. 

North of the border produces some great music and musicians, and if you like what you've heard here, invest the $10 in "Fifteen."