As a long term Colin James fan, this was a nice discussion to hear. I'm originally from Saskatchewan (as is Colin) and now live in Austin. Between those two points and cities in between, I've followed several blues musicians but Colin most of all. He's got wide-ranging skills and styles; more people should be introduced to his music.
I've told this story before ...I met him once when I was down on my luck busking He was kind but confident....and he didnt flinch when I hit bad notes......Been his fan ever since And his musical generosity is genuine .. I wish I could be him and have half his talent And that said....this discussion just proves it......I would love to have a few beer and listen to anything he'd say.....his life is amazing.....
Hey Colin and Tom. I was in the audience and sang 'Freedom' with Colin at one of his gigs in Kitchener and I'm very glad he did that. It was a cool moment for me. He also got chicken wing sauce on my '82 strat, "The Gator" when he signed it backstage at The Little Bighorn. I also met and hung with Big Dave at the Kitchener Blues Festival. Its all a great story for me but I ended up being invited up to do a couple of songs at his gig in a small club for the 12 Bar Blues. Dave was clearly very proud to have been Colin's mentor. Hanging with Dave for the festival was very cool. Even with mild, local noteriety lots of folks asked "wow, do you know Big Dave McLean??" I said "hell yeah, we go all the way back to Thursday" and thats when I began telling my Big Dave McLean stories.
Love Collin I first saw him at the Calgary folk fest in the early 80’s when he was a 17 yr old newbie opening for (Year of the Cat) Al Stewart! Then, in the late 90’s he played my club, The Other Side of Five, in London, Ontario. To go back even further, I was at the second Home County Folk Fest in London Ontario in the early 70’s with my buddy Phil Brunelle who was a child prodigy on guitar, and we sat down with two other young hippies who were toting guitars - they grew up to be Collin Linden and Tom Wilson! I’ve been in the music biz as a promoter, club owner, festival operator for 40 yrs. it’s been a trip. I now know most of my childhood idols, personally!
Always heard the blues potential in Colin but for whatever reason (likely advice from producers or perhaps lapse in confidence) he chose to turn his back…that’s when I lost interest so this “relapse” seems a little strange
Way to go Tom. You're interviewing a top blues musician and you fall back to the cliches about the woman leaving and it being all sad music. I expected an alleged musican would have avoided such tropes. Pathetic, but precisely what we've come to expect from you.
Colin deserves an Order of Canada citation !! We will push for that
Saw this phenom play live tonight in Halifax. So talented, it brought tears to my eyes.
As a long term Colin James fan, this was a nice discussion to hear. I'm originally from Saskatchewan (as is Colin) and now live in Austin. Between those two points and cities in between, I've followed several blues musicians but Colin most of all.
He's got wide-ranging skills and styles; more people should be introduced to his music.
Can't get enough of Mr. James. I have his latest CD and love it.
I've told this story before ...I met him once when I was down on my luck busking
He was kind but confident....and he didnt flinch when I hit bad notes......Been his fan ever since
And his musical generosity is genuine
.. I wish I could be him and have half his talent
And that said....this discussion just proves it......I would love to have a few beer and listen to anything he'd say.....his life is amazing.....
Incredibly talented Canadian musician.
And one of the hardest working musicians, EVER!
q on cbc Incredible work ethic and vast musical knowledge as well. Classy gentleman. Truly a Canadian treasure.
Hey Colin and Tom. I was in the audience and sang 'Freedom' with Colin at one of his gigs in Kitchener and I'm very glad he did that. It was a cool moment for me. He also got chicken wing sauce on my '82 strat, "The Gator" when he signed it backstage at The Little Bighorn. I also met and hung with Big Dave at the Kitchener Blues Festival. Its all a great story for me but I ended up being invited up to do a couple of songs at his gig in a small club for the 12 Bar Blues. Dave was clearly very proud to have been Colin's mentor. Hanging with Dave for the festival was very cool. Even with mild, local noteriety lots of folks asked "wow, do you know Big Dave McLean??" I said "hell yeah, we go all the way back to Thursday" and thats when I began telling my Big Dave McLean stories.
Best night of my life Colin at Banff Springs
Peter green is the green god...... i love collin james... hes the blues biggest supporter and interpreter..... so talented and cool
This is phenomenal, I love Colin so much as a singer and guitarist. Really interesting discussion. Thanks for this.
Love Collin
I first saw him at the Calgary folk fest in the early 80’s when he was a 17 yr old newbie opening for (Year of the Cat) Al Stewart!
Then, in the late 90’s he played my club, The Other Side of Five, in London, Ontario. To go back even further, I was at the second Home County Folk Fest in London Ontario in the early 70’s with my buddy Phil Brunelle who was a child prodigy on guitar, and we sat down with two other young hippies who were toting guitars - they grew up to be Collin Linden and Tom Wilson!
I’ve been in the music biz as a promoter, club owner, festival operator for 40 yrs. it’s been a trip. I now know most of my childhood idols, personally!
Been quite happy with New Q, the team has made a great product. Keep growing and talking to great and interesting artists!
The great Stevie Ray Vaughan said that Colin was his favourite jamming partner.
Link, please? 99.9% of these supposed guitarist quotes are pure bologna which is why I'm asking.
Love his music 🎶❤👍😎
Great
First blues songs I can remember in my life was Hank Williams singing "Lovesick Blues" and Marty Robbins singing, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry".
a super talented Musician
Playing the guitar like he does is a dying art
And Tom's doing a great job with this gig
I dont think blues is his thing but he knows music.....keep up the good work tom......hail hail rocknroll
Down home guy.
Always heard the blues potential in Colin but for whatever reason (likely advice from producers or perhaps lapse in confidence) he chose to turn his back…that’s when I lost interest so this “relapse” seems a little strange
Arthur McBride is open G. Colin knew that. Classy not to correct such a stupid mistake
Way to go Tom. You're interviewing a top blues musician and you fall back to the cliches about the woman leaving and it being all sad music. I expected an alleged musican would have avoided such tropes. Pathetic, but precisely what we've come to expect from you.