When it comes to chasing the sun, legendary blues-rock guitarist and singer Colin James knows he’s lucky to even be able to see the light of day, let alone make music and let his fingers fly.
His Chasing the Sun tour came to a sudden stop last September when he was badly injured in a car accident in Albany, New York.
Knocked unconscious, with his left wrist banged up to where it needed surgery and a compound fracture of his ankle, James has been processing the accident ever since – working tirelessly to rehab his playing hand and preparing to get back on the road.
“I don’t even know what happened because I woke up in the hospital,” James told Monday Magazine in a phone interview from his Vancouver home. “I was just lucky … I mean, anything could have happened that day. I got basically picked off the pavement by an ambulance and stuck in the hospital. I won’t take that kind of stuff for granted anymore.”
The road to recovery has been long and hard – in fact, James had only recently been able to walk again at the time of this December interview – and the work will continue in Florida.
“We really have never had a chance to get out and play these songs yet,” James said.
“So we’re starting on a blues cruise, the legendary blues cruise in Florida. That’ll be a nice week to get out and get a little bit of sunshine, but moreover, just trying to tighten up and have a good time and get ready for the Canadian run.”
James resumes the Canadian leg of his tour in February in Ottawa, swinging across the country with concerts in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Washington, California and Arizona.
His B.C. dates include stops in Vancouver on March 1, Victoria on March 3, and two nights in Nanaimo, March 4 and 5.
James’ Chasing the Sun album draws inspiration from both the road and his personal experiences, a theme deeply rooted in his connection to British Columbia.
“For me, Chasing the Sun... it’s usually I’m chasing the sun as it’s setting over Vancouver Island,” said James, an avid cyclist who had planned to combine working and cycling in France before the accident took that idea away.
“If I ever have a choice to ride over to Stanley Park, where it’s half dark, or if I can go all the way down to Horseshoe Bay, I’ll always pick that route because I get the sun on me the whole way. You always feel like you’re chasing the sun.
“That’s kind of where that comes from for me, really.”
Collaboration has been another hallmark of James’ career and is evident on Chasing the Sun. The album features notable guest appearances, including Lucinda Williams, who lends her unmistakable vocals on the track 'Protection'.
“Having Lucinda on the record was a joy,” James shared. “She’s such a worldly singer and an incredible songwriter. To be able to sing with her was wonderful.”
Tara Lightfoot, who co-wrote “Too Far Gone” with James, will also join him on tour. Lightfoot brings her distinctive spirit and energy to both the album and the stage.
“With Tara, you get a wonderful energy,” James said. “She’s an intelligent guitar player and an active songwriter. It’s just a joy to work with her.”
Asked what he hopes audiences will take away from attending his concerts, James said it’s all about connection and energy.
“I want people to feel like they’re part of something special, something bigger,” he explained. “It’s not just about the music; it’s about the moments we create together – the highs, the quiet, reflective moments, and the energy we share in the room.
“For me, a good show is one where the audience leaves feeling uplifted, inspired and like they’ve been on a journey with us.”
