Concert Review: Colin James Trio (Richmond Hill Ont)

Having been active for over 30 years, Colin James certainly needs no introduction. What I wasn't prepared for was how effortlessly and efficiently the Colin James trio rocked the house.

To provide a little context to the environment that evening, the show took place at the Richmond Hill Centre For The Performing Arts. My favorite locale, as even the worst seats give you a pretty great experience. 

Theater management took the stage at the beginning to illustrate how long they've tried to land Colin at the theater, and the energy of the grateful crowd blossomed from there.

Taking the stage afterward were guitarist, drummer, and harmonica legend Steve Marriner, along with incredible guitarist Chris Caddell. Laid back in a Jean jacket and t shirt, Colin took the stage, all smiles. His banter to the crowd was refreshingly humble, funny, and evident that he adores what he does, and has much love for the other 2 rounding out the trio.

What followed was quite possibly the most beautiful instrumental set I've ever heard. Every time a runner handed Colin a different guitar for the next song, each new guitar did most of the singing, and sang beautifully. Which is not to say they did any heavy lifting. Colin has certainly maintained his incredible voice over the years, and paired beautifully with the guitar work of the trio.

Musically, it was a mix between soothing jazz, bluesey rock, a few covers, and of course, singles from Colin's multi-platinum selling records. The charming frontman's sidebars on his recording history, musical encounters, and aging were terrific.

Admittedly, I had never heard a few of the songs played, which added to the experience. If I had to pick a choice moment, I was absolutely captivated with the guitar work opening "Why'd You Lie?", to the point that I audibly called out "god damn!" to my wife's amusement.

As the show winded to a close, the pairing of the cover of Into The Mystic and Leave This House left the audience definitely wanting more, and in a state of awe.

The show of the Colin James Trio is simultaneously a new experience of fresh, powerful music, and a trip down the road of nostalgia. The talent of this trio is unmatched, and are proof that years passed only refined their craft, and took nothing away from it.