Colin James - Open Road [CD]

'Open Road' is a slight departure from Colin's last few albums and leans more into the Americana/Blues/Roots categories.<P> While it was made during a time when connecting with others was difficult, 'Open Road' is a record that celebrates personal connections – a deeply satisfying set of original tunes written with long time collaborators like Colin Linden, Craig Northey, and Tom Wilson and reinterpretations of covers by a diverse group of songwriters including Bob Dylan, Albert King, Tony Joe White and Otis Rush. <P> Recorded with long-time co-producer, Dave Meszaros, and showcasing the talents of players culled from James' live and studio combos over the years, listening to 'Open Road' stem-to-stern is like spending some long-hoped-for quality time with old friends. Accomplishing that wasn't easy, James explains: "Dave was working in London, England, so our session times were all over the map. It's phenomenal what technology allows you to do when you have to. My tendency is to write collaboratively, and there's no substitute for the energy of everyone getting together in the same room." <P> Fueled by standout performances from drummer, Geoff Hicks, bassists Steve Pelletier and Norm Fisher, B3 wizards Simon Kendall and Jesse O' Brien, and rhythm guitarist Chris Caddell – 'Open Road' is a celebration of those bonds. <P> Open Road was mixed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, UK.