Colin James - Hearts on Fire (2015)

There was a time in the early days of Colin James’ career when pundits couldn’t figure out whether this Regina native was actually a blues guitarist who wanted to be a pop star or a budding rock star who had a penchant for the Blues! Safe to say that over 16 studio albums, James has refined his style and his records are now a consistent blend of blues, blues/rock, and rockabilly with enough of a hint of commercial pop to appeal to the masses. Working again with co-producer/guitarist Colin Linden in studios in both Nashville and Vancouver, James has created 12 original tracks that will appease both the pure blues fan and fans who like some consumer appeal. Certainly the record’s debut single; “Just A Little Love” will appeal to the masses and there is a fair balance evident here on the other 11 songs. Tracks like “How Does It Feel” and “Cry For Love” are more focused blues compositions but they are counter-balanced by raucous up-tempo numbers like the rockabilly buzz of “Honey Bee”, the country rock-inspired “Just A Little Love” with the record caper being an infectious, hook-laden “I Wanna Sing”. Yet to theseColin James ears, the real money track is “Stay”, a catchy, melodic track, layered with great lyrical hooks and an instrumental arrangement customized for wide-spread airplay, the kind of song that sticks in your psyche long after you’ve finished playing the record. With a supporting cast featuring drummer/percussionist George Receli, bassist Willie Weeks, keyboardist Reese Wynan, back-up vocals from Ann and Regina McCrary and guitar support from Linden, this six-times Juno award winner continues to deliver a remarkably consistent level of performance.

TRACKLIST
1. Heart's On Fire
2. Just A Little Love
3. Dreams Come and Go
4. Roll Me Sunday Morning
5. Heartbreak Road
6. Honey Bee
7. Paper Airplanes
8. Cry For Love
9. How Does it Feel
10. You Were Never Mine
11. Stay
12. I Wanna Sing