19 albums, over a thirty year period are a solid enough base to place Colin James amongst the best names of the Canadian blues scene, one of the main musicians, who has been able to regenerate a style, definitely not easy to propose, especially if you take a look at the repertoires of the great bluesmen. This is exactly what the 53 year old singer from Regina, Saskatchewan has done, bringing back to life the spirit of songs of real legends such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Willie Johnson and Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup. He fell in love with this genre at the age of sixteen when he was overwhelmed by James Cotton’s performance at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and kept this love alive even when he came up against the opinions of producers and labels who wanted him to be more ‘polished’ and impersonal. “Miles To Go” opens with the figure of James Cotton, whose version of the splendid “One More Mile” by Muddy Waters represents the spirit of the album. What follows is the whole world of Colin James, his artistic affections and even two songs written by himself, the sinuous and elegant “I Will Remain” and the splendid “40 Light Years”, that stands out as one of the best things about this album. Among the most intense moments, “Soul Of A Man” by Blind Willie Johnson and “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” by Blind Lemon Jefferson; songs that are brought back to life thanks to an incredible arrangement. “Black Night” is another of the ‘highlights’; a piano ballad, full of passion, embodying the spirit of Ray Charles at his best, which has inspired Colin James, a very fine and talented guitarist, to exceed himself with the magnificent “I Need Your Love So Bad”, another great slow song. “Miles To Go” confirms this ‘new’ road’ taken by the Canadian bluesman, a road which started 2 years ago with his previous Lp, “Blue Highways”, in which he completely reclaimed his roots, to give us back a timeless sound. (Remo Ricaldone)
