Colin James
b. Colin James Munn, 17 August 1964, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. James' first musical love was folk, but by his early teens he had developed a keen interest in the blues. His school work suffered as he proceeded to master blues guitar. Upon leaving school at the age of 16, James moved to Winnipeg and formed the HooDoo Men. In 1983 James befriended Stevie Ray Vaughan who became a mentor to the young Canadian. Three years later he released the "Five Long Years" single for the Bumstead Records label, and put together a band comprising John Ferreira (saxophone), Rick Hopkins (keyboards), Mark Weston (bass), and Darrel Mayes (drums). Having impressed a Virgin Records executive by literally dancing on his table at a gig, James was signed and released his self-titled debut album in 1988. The debut, although competent, did not fully convey the excitement of his live gigs. Much more satisfying and gutsy was Sudden Stop, featuring new bass player Dennis Marcenko and a sound undoubtedly aided by ZZ Top's producer Joe Hardy. "Just Came Back' from the album became a major hit in Canada and he duetted with Bonnie Raitt on another track. James gigged solidly for 18 months promoting this successful album and it was not until the end of 1993 that he found enough time to issue a new release. Colin James & The Little Big Band was a powerful and tasteful jump-blues and R&B excursion showcasing great brass and James" fluid guitar style. The line-up included Chuck Leavell on piano and utilized the Roomful Of Blues horn section in addition to the continuing presence of Ferreira on sax. In 1994 James signed to WEA Records and the following year a much more mainstream rock album, Bad Habits, was released. He joined forces with fellow guitarist Colin Linden to record National Steel, an acoustic collection of pre-WWII blues material which was awarded a Juno for Best Blues Recording. James released a second set of swing-era standards with the Little Big Band in 1998. James changed direction once more for the soulful Fuse, on which he collaborated with Craig Northey of the Canadian rock band Odds.

Listen to Colin James at Finetune.

Albums
Top Tracks
  • Bad Habits
  • Walkin' Blues
  • Breakin' Up The House
  • Freedom
  • Cadillac Baby
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