Photo: Colin James by James O’Mara
We are pleased to exclusively premiere the new video “Down On The Bottom” by Colin James, one of Canada’s finest multi award-winning blues rockers. The single is from James’ upcoming album, soon to be announced.
Colin James’ music career spans over 30 years and includes 19 studio albums, 7 Juno Awards, 27 Maple Blues Awards, and multi-platinum record sales. Inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame in 2014, Colin James is a beloved guitarist, singer, songwriter, consistently selling out shows internationally.
Directed by Cole Northey, “Down On The Bottom” video opens with Colin James driving a Classic Black ’66 Mustang convertible down a dirt country road as the crack of drums and searing guitar roll in. With soaring vocals, James rocks this cover (Bob Dylan, Jim James) with a sweet, sanctified feel that preaches a loner’s gospel and an arrangement that keeps James’ vocal talent front and center. His guitar tones are crisp and beautiful, adorning the spaces around his voice with intangible-yet-obvious magic. James displays a master’s touch here and has created one of the finest roots music videos of 2021. The song was produced by Colin James and Dave Meszaros.
Colin James says, “We made the video on two beautiful summer days with a super talented crew and a very simple idea. We just let nature do the rest and were treated to a perfect sunset, flying birds and moving trains. I have never enjoyed making a video more.”
“We made the bed tracks for this record in three separate sessions. ‘Down On the Bottom’ was recorded on the last of the three sessions and added what I believe is a rocking and contemporary feel to the album’s song list,” James adds.
Watch “Down On The Bottom”
Colin James’ most recent album, Miles To Go was released on Stony Plain Records (USA) and True North Records to critical acclaim, winning the Juno Award for “Blues Album of the Year” and six Maple Blues Awards in several categories. The record was James’ sequel to his 2016 Blue Highways, which landed on the blues chart for 10 weeks at #1.
Over the years, Colin has worked with Bonnie Raitt, Albert Collins, Pops Staples, Robert Cray, Albert King, Keith Richards, Lenny Kravitz, ZZ Top, Mavis Staples, Luther Allison, Carlos Santana, Little Feat, Roomful of Blues, Jeff Healey, Buddy Guy and many more. In addition to his own recording and touring, Colin is a prolific songwriter and has had his music recorded by Maria Muldaur, Johnny Hallday and Lucinda Williams.
Known as a superb guitarist and musician’s musician, Colin James’ “Down On The Bottom” is an outstanding preview of what’s to come.
Download/stream link for “Down On The Bottom”
Great depth to the review and a great track that promotes a desire for the rest of the CD. Down On The Bottom is going to play in my head a while! Especially when I see that last drop in my cup and wonder how many there are that just need a bluebird to rise up with. The guitar licks were also nice a saucy. And how about that Mustang eh!
Now that’s a BIG HIT amazing.
I love trains, Mustangs and great guitar blues- what a gorgeous song, sad bit with lots of hope!