Colin James was still a teenager when he got his big break, opening for Stevie Ray Vaughan in Saskatoon in 1983. His self-titled debut album, in 1988, gave the world the hits “Five Long Years,” and “Voodoo Thing.” Since then, he’s worked hard to perfect his craft and prove his versatility. He plays everything from acoustic blues to rock to big band blues. He continues to collaborate with the biggest names in blues, soul, and pop.
Now this Canadian legend is 60 years old, and he’s heading out on tour after a year that included some drama that no one would ever ask for.
Late in 2024, just weeks after releasing his newest album, Chasing the Sun, James was hit by a car while riding his scooter in Albany, New York. Numerous broken bones required rest, recovery, and physical rehab. It’s not easy for a career musician to sit still or take breaks, but James recovered well and is ready to jump back into the world of playing live shows. His current tour has 19 Canadian stops.
CKUA host Terry David Mulligan is happy to welcome Colin James as his guest on Mulligan Stew. We’ve been talking since he started,” says Mulligan. “From his early years.”
Now, says Mulligan, he wants to ask James about how his audience is changing, and whether he sees younger fans embracing the blues. As well, he sees James moving and out of the blues, but never far removed. “Is that your call?” asks Mulligan, “or a reflection of what your audience feels?”
TDM is also keenly interested in the songwriting process—how songs get written when there’s more than one person in the room. He notes that James works in Nashville with longtime producer Colin Linden, and he collaborates with such stars as Tom Wilson and Terra Lightfoot.
“I’m very interested in that mix!” says Mulligan. “When it works, it’s magic.”
Tune in to hear Terry David Mulligan, in conversation and in music with Colin James, Saturday, February 22. Mulligan Stew airs 5pm – 7pm MT on CKUA.
“I’m Still Alive” is a track from the newest album by Colin James, Chasing the Sun.
