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I've seen Colin numerous times now and every show has been outstanding. From the Little Big Band, to an acoustic set, to rock-'n-roll and the blues. Always a great experience. Thanks Colin and keep on rockin'!
Performance was exceptional, no breaks, played a good cross section of his albums
I had saw him at the Rainbow back before he was famous. We partied with the drummer and basist and they told us about the record deal that Colin had signed and that this kid was going places. Well he ended up at the NAC and as he put it a "happy man who gets to do something he loves." He was polished, professional and on the mark. There was never a lull or when is this over moment. His band is still great and he definitely delivers a stellar performance. Can you tell I'm a fan? The venue of the NAC is always comfortable - not a bad seat in the house and definitely more intimate for his calibur. I will definitely go and see him again, I just hope its not on a weeknight or Sunday again.
Colin James was very good last night. He played songs that were primary from his new cd "Rooftops and Satellites", however, he did manage to play some of his earlier songs that were obviously fan favorites. Other than a raspy voice which he indicated he had, he nontheless hit all the notes that he tried. He is the consumate professional showman. His accompanying band was tight and his crowd interaction was great. At one point, playing his stratocaster while walking amongst the aisles was cool, displaying his awesome musical talent. On the negative side, I thought that Suzie McNeil's set was too long (from 8-9pm). She has talent, however, we were there to see and hear Colin. In my opinion, an opening act should be 3-4 songs, - 30 minutes maximum. The length of her set was very disappointing.
I was disappointed in the level of blues content, otherwise, good show!
The guy is amazing on guitar. True show to see if you are a guitar solo fan!! The Band with him is in sync it is amazing.
I thought Colin James was fantastic. I have seen him a few other times, and everytime he keeps getting better. He played my favorite song last night which is "Let's Shout" and I only wish I could have gotten up to dance!!! I will definately see him again when he's in town.
Wow, Colin James rocked the house! It was such a personal intimate setting, being in a smaller venue. The sound wasn't the greatest and people didn't get up and dance the way they usually do but it was still so much fun. Colin came through the audience and went up and down the aisles during his final song, while playing his guitar. So cool! The best part of the evening was the "meet and greet" he did afterward. We got to take his picture and get his autograph, plus other band members were out wandering around the crowd to talk to.
Last night's Colin James concert was an exciting combination of bold and tasty new tunes and delectable favourites from his earlier material. James never failed to impress with his stellar guitar work and soaring vocals, all of which he made look so amazingly easy...despite the fact that he'd driven through the night and lost his voice (until two hours before the show)! Hit songs (such as "I Just Came Back To Say Goodbye") had the audience singing loudly along with Colin James.
As always Collin played well, though I did find the band a little too laid back (unenergetic). Sound was an issue, but they did seem to get things under control by the latter half of the show, albeit the bass was never very well defined. The good thing with Colin James is he can put together a great set list. In regards to the NAC as a rock/blues venue I find it restricting and the ergonomics of the seating leaves much to be desired. Colin is better served in a more open and less restrictive venues.
Picture this: A roly-poly 50-year-old woman with silver hair and bifocals sitting at a stop light in her little red Toyota. The car thuds and rocks rhythmically as "Keep on Loving Me" pounds through the car's cheap factory-issue speakers and the driver chair-dances with complete abandon behind the wheel. That was me last night, listening to CHEZ 106's Concert After the Concert as I drove home after seeing Colin James at the National Arts Centre. There was nothing I wanted more after that concert than MORE Colin James. If any hip-hoppers had been around to witness it, they would have forever turned down their music and driven off with a serious identity crisis. Either that, or they'd have gotten a good laugh. Last night was my sixth time seeing Colin James in concert, all six times here in Ottawa. Each show has been unique and completely enjoyable. The last time at the NAC, he was there with The Little Big Band. At Centrepointe Theatre last year he was alone on the stage with Craig Northey, completely acoustic. The acoustic show at the Rainbow club six or seven years ago was amazing. And the two times I've seen him at Bluesfest were, well, let's just say my bones weren't happy with me when I went home from THOSE concerts. One can only jump up and down with her fists in the air for so long before paying the price. But that just points out one of the wonderful and unique things about Colin James's appeal...his audience. You look around and you see funky young women and bald old men and long-haired rockers and sophisticated older women and roadie types and every single one of them is having a blast. Colin James just can't put on a bad show. The man is made of talent. Whether he's quietly picking away at his guitar as if there was no-one else in the room or pounding out one of his hits with every ounce of energy he and his band have in them, it's riveting and completely absorbing. And if a typical guitars, keyboards and drums band can be any more exciting, the addition of a horn section will do it. Oh man...will it ever. I spent half the evening riveted on the horns, which flashed in the light and blared their cries at the climactic moments of every song. And even if he wasn't such an uber-talented guitarist, Colin James's electrifying voice would make even the most jaded music critic sit up and take notice. He confessed late in the show last night that he had actually lost his voice for a while a couple of hours earlier and wasn't sure if he'd be able to go on. Luckily for us, he's not just any singer and we didn't even realize he was having trouble singing until he admitted it out loud. And so when he let the audience sing most of the signature throat-busting "whooooaaaahh's" in "Keep on Loving Me" we felt like we were helping out and not just singing along, while Colin grinned a little sheepishly, but delightedly back at us. It was a solid two-hours of great music, from all the band members, but especially from James, who changes guitars with almost every song. At one point, he brought out a sparkling new candy-apple-red guitar he told us he'd bought in Memphis Tennessee, and just played it for 30-seconds or so just because, it seemed, it made him happy to do so, to show off his new toy, and then he switched again and went on with the song with a different guitar. As James admitted, with 13 albums under his belt, it can be difficult to decide what to play. It's a good problem to have, he said. He managed it well, playing six or seven songs off his new album, Rooftops and Satellites, and filling out with all his old favourites. There wasn't a slow moment in the show, and for once, I saw the staid old Ottawa audience was letting its inhibitions go a little, because all over the room, heads were bobbing and shoulders were bouncing and swaying time to the music. A phenomenal show, as always, and I just hope he comes back soon, because as long as he keeps coming back, I'll keep going to see him.
He admitted losing his voice earlier in the day but we wouldn't have known it. His concerts are always fun times! A truly dedicated performer.
I had not seen Colin live before and did not realize what a great guitarist he really is. The band and tunes were amazing and they didn't stop for 2 straight hours. They just went directly from one song to the next. I was really impressed with their stamina.
I enjoyed last nights venue tremendously. I felt having the concert at the NAC made it much more initmate. The sound was great. I was amazed at how many guitars Colin can play, really a true talent. I saw Colin for the first time about 20 years ago at Barrymore's. I loved his music then and I love it more now. I really enjoy the southern, bluesy influence that is a big part of his music. I was glad to see him move around the stage so everyone could appreciate his talent. The only thing I was disappointed with was he didn't play "Why'd you lie". My favourite song, however, it could have been due to the voice problem Colin was having. Other than that small issue, I really enjoyed it.
The show started with an excellent performance by Suzie Mcneil. Terrific voice. Show started on time. After a small break for setting up, Colin James blasted on stage with favourite songs and a few great tunes from his new album. He chatted with the crowd and even mingled with us while playing a guitar riff. Overall an excellent show!
From opening act with Suzie McNeil to closing out of Colin James, fantastic show. He still rocks like 20years ago.
Hit after hit, great grooves, great guitar, volume was comfortable and less than opening act.
Colin, an example of Canadian talent at it's splendor! Despite having no voice only hours before the show, who would have known as he belted out several bluesy beauties...."5 long years" and " Into the Mystic" was awesome!!! His interchange from one electric guitar to another during the same song then onto the next acoustic, blew us away.....his tech crew sure did some running! To top it off, the other young wonder Suzie MacNeil opened for Colin and was a listening pleasure...epressed being a rebel preacher kid "PK" giving us a glimpse of her sweet personality and of course her musical versitility- we bought her CD and met her after the show---a real treat! We had a terrific evening!
Just an awesome show, and the opening act of Suzie McNeil was just great too!!! All and all, just a super night.
A ROCKING performance exploding with talent & energy ! LOVED IT !