He is Canada’s quiet superstar of rock.
Colin James performs Up Close and Personal: An Acoustic Tour, with special guest Chris Caddell on Monday, May 11 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
James, who's earned his reputation as a rock star, burst onto the Canadian music scene a quarter century ago, becoming an instant guitar hero. Being mentored by the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan laid a solid foundation for his stellar career, which includes an acclaimed blues album and the lead role in swing revival.
A multi-platinum artist many times over, James has written memorable hit songs and given us distinctive covers of timeless classics like, “Just Came Back”, “Why’d You Lie”, “Five Long Years”, “Voodoo Thing”, “Stay”, “I’m Losing You”, “I Hope You’re Happy”, as well as the new “Stone Faith” and “Oh Well”.
Along the way, James has received numerous well-deserved accolades and honours. He gave a command performance for Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to his home province of Saskatchewan in 2005. His 1988 self-titled debut, featuring his two self-penned hits “Voodoo Thing” and “Five Long Years,” was the fastest-selling album in Canadian history. The hit “Just Came Back” reached #3 on the U.S. radio charts. He has been nominated for 15 Juno Awards, winning six of them including Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year (1989), Single of the Year for "Just Came Back” (1991), Male Vocalist of the Year (1991), Male Vocalist of the Year (1996), Best Blues Album for National Steel (1998) and Best Producer for "Let's Shout" and "C'mon with the C'mon" from Colin James and the Little Big Band II (1999). Additionally, he's earned a staggering 16 Maple Blues Awards, including, Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the Year and Recording of the Year" for Colin James & The Little Big Band 3 (2008).
This incredible performer continues to sell out shows coast to coast, and he shows no sign of stopping any time soon. With his latest album, Fifteen, he returns to his full-blooded rock roots, showcasing some of the best rock, blues, gospel and pop songs he's has ever written.
In a world of mediocrity, special guest performer Chris Caddell is the real deal. He takes the audience back to a time when guitarists were superheroes. His signature rasp and guitar wizardry are unmistakable in the addictive “Through My Hands (Electric)”, the blue-collar anthem “Workin”, “Through The Wreckage” and “People Get Ready” an insightful and soulful cover of the Curtis Mayfield classic.
Caddell is a rare breed of guitarist. A sought-after master musician, he has shared studio and stage with Sass Jordan, Hawksley Workman, Amanda Marshall, Fefe Dobson, Melissa O’Neill, Rex Goudie, Tara Sloane, Susie McNeil, Thornley and the late Jeff Healey. Inspired by the likes of Hendrix, Vaughn, Clapton and Page, Caddell wields his guitar like a living extension of his own body.
Rock.It Boy Entertainment proudly presents Colin James Up Close and Personal: An Acoustic Tour with Special Guest Chris Caddell on Monday, May 11 at the HUB International Theatre at The Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 9201 Corbould Street, Chilliwack. Tickets are $42.50 (Plus Facility Fee & Service Charges) available at Centre Box Office. Charge by phone at 604-391-7469 or online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca.
Doors 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.