By: Dan Duffin - Colin James couldn’t have picked a better date for the “Chasing the Sun 2025” tour here in Hamilton Ontario. With the largest snowstorm in many years already bearing down on us, streets 10cm deep in snow and another 15-25cm on the way the sun was nowhere to be seen.
Terra Lightfoot
Instead I joined a full crowd at the FirstOntario Concert Hall to see Hamilton’s own, JUNO nominated Terra Lightfoot open the evening with audience pleasing bluesy-rock power ballads. She entertained the crowd with stories that seem to seamlessly blend into her songs and plenty of audience interaction. Clapping in the right spots and getting told off when they went wrong, to great laughter. Terra is supporting Colin James across Canada in the coming weeks.
Colin James
Colin James took the stage at 9pm, opening with "National Steel" from his 1997 album of the same name. The first few songs were performed by Colin sitting alone in the middle of the stage and highlighted by a single spotlight. As we hit the third track "Saviour", his entire band came to life and the stage was well lit and a suitable foggy atmosphere.
The next few tracks were straight from the artist's current album Chasing the Sun released in August of 2024. Would you believe this is the 60 year old James’s 21st Studio Album in his 35 year career that also sports 8 Juno awards and 31 Maple Blues awards? The man seems to remain at the top of his game and has a constant stream of creative output.
I found James to be a dynamic and captivating performer that clearly has a deep love of Rock/Blues, often performing with his eyes closed and lost in the music. James is supported by a top notch band that shared his energy and passion.
The mature crowd at the FirstOntario Concert Hall loved the performances and knew the tracks well. A highly entertaining night of Canadian musical talent. The show is highly recommended.
Sadly, the artists opted to have the photographer's work from the soundboard at the back of the room which is not this photographer's preference. I like to be close to the action where I can feel the hairs on my arms standing on end as I view the show through my camera's viewfinder and get stunning shots…Next time?
James and his band now move on to shows in Thunder Bay, Winnipeg , Regina and onto Vancouver in March. If it's not too late, and you are interested, you can still buy tickets through Live Nation/Ticketmaster for many of the upcoming shows.
Set List
National Steel
Stones in My Passway / Just Came Back
Saviour (Kevin Coyne cover)
Devilment
I’m Still Alive
Protection (with Tara Lightfoot)
Crystal Ball
Five Long Years
Freedom
Man's Gotta Be a Stone
Too Far Gone
That's Why I'm Crying (Magic Sam cover)
Come to Find Out
Into the Mystic (Van Morrison cover)
How It Feels to Be Loved
Voodoo Thing
This Song Kills Hate
Keep On Loving Me, Baby (Otis Rush & His Band cover)
Encore:
Why'd You Lie? (Morgan Davis cover)
Ain't Nothing You Can Do
Concert Photo Gallery
Colin James Online
show date: February 15, 2025
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