Colin James is … Colin James.

Older, maybe a bit wiser. He remains – a great blues guitarist. He remains – Canada’s great blues guitarist.

His latest album is a pleasure to listen to.

There are some discs ( face it – most discs) which contain great tracks along with annoying ones thrown Into the mix. Not James’ latest title; Fifteen.

The entire project is non threatening. Commencing with the first track – ‘ Sweets Gone Sour’. It’s a love song hidden in a tune about bees. Apparently – James heard a story of cell phone signals messing up bees’ signals and the bees are dying because of it. The music is standard blues fare a la James and it is the second collaboration with Gordie Johnson of Big Sugar and Wide Mouth Mason fame. The song introduces the listener to James and what is to come.

‘I’m Diggin’ rocks. James’ guitar has a definate edge on this track. Its as if the B.C native is using the power and experience of his note playing to ‘dig for not only a woman’s love but the listeners as well. Colin is so talented, it is easy to forget how talented he is. A genuine rocker which should be a mainstay on rock stations everywhere.

‘Fool for You’ is the CDs first ballad. Its a throwback to a late eighties – early nineties sound. A slow blues riff maintains a voice which has aged gracefully. Colin is Canada’s musical answer to MicheaI J Fox – the two remain youthful in appearance. On this track James remains youthful vocally with a slight raspy annotation. Play it again Sam er … I mean Colin. A nice little Samba shuffle makes it easier to do so.

‘Shed a little light’ is as sweet as song anyone can find on the airwaves in this day and age. A sweet song with piercing guitar notes. It is a tune written by Foy Vance – an Irishman who spent some time living in the states before returning to his country. Filled with gospel – induced sounds, James’voice punctuates a melody which any music professor would be proud of …

The next song is the first collaboration with Gordie Johnson. Its a shame these guys have not gotten together before. A hard edge rockin’ tune which delivers a constant ‘slap in the face’ riff throughout the song. It brings it back to a time when rock, blues and r and b were the only game in town.

‘Love for life’ is a ballad, a country-ish ballad. The type of song which makes James’ truly appear like a teenager. Close your eyes, sit back and an eighteen year old kid who chummed with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Keith Richards appears serenading the listener to oblivion.

The following two tunes are covers. A pair of tunes written by two very different people. Alain Toussaint and John Lennon.

James was a big fan of Robert Palmer’s first few discs and this song; ‘Sneaking’ Sally Through the Alley’ was on one. It is a song most people have heard but do not know the title. Deep rooted in funky New Orleans’ style, James adds his distinctive trademark guitar to a song written on the walls of history.

Lennon’s ‘Jealous Guy’ – is in hommage to the former member of the Beatles and the leader of the Plastic Ono Band. The track remains true to the original with …that’s right. James’ guitar jumping in the drivers seat. Somewhere, Yoko is smiling …

‘I Finally Wrote a Song for You’ is frightening. Not because it is bad. It is scary because it is a time warp. A mid- eighties song with a beautiful chorus. The idea came to James when he was riding his bike. Did it have a banana seat Colin and if so – where can I get one? A nice ride …

‘No time to get there’ was recorded the same time as ‘Fool for You’. It’s obvious. The same feel grooves into the veins and dispels any rumours we are in the year 2012. The weakest track on the album – yet the best track on any up and coming blues artists’ disc.

One must wonder if The Black Crowes and the Rolling Stones were present during the recording of ‘Stone Faith’. The Crowes borrowed the Stones’ sound, the Stones borrowed Chuck Berry’s style among others and now, Mr. James borrows from them all on this track. The Stones have outlasted everyone and by channeling the iconic group – James may do the same. In Canada.

The best track on the album. ‘Oh Well’ transports all of James experience and adds a modern rock feel. Just a fantastic song to dance around the living room in underwear. No Risky business on this tune. Colin’s guitar is at it’s best and most provocative here.

‘Shoulder to Cry On’ ends the record wistfully. Inspired by Ron Sexmith , the albums’ prominent collaborator, the ballad takes the listener to a nice land where acoustic and classical guitars rule the meadow. Romantic and pure – a song which inspires a quick kiss by a garden gate …

Not a bad way for James to leave the audience.