When Colin James arrives in Chiliwack for his upcoming concert, the question of the day will be "What outfit is he wearing now?" It could be the contemporary suit customary in blues clubs, the rock-star leather jacket that propelled him to success or maybe the thrift store merchandise synonymous with the big-band style he later adopted.

James has excelled as a singer, songwriter and guitarist using several different styles over his lengthy 15-year career. If his latest creation, (an album set to come out in early August), is any indication then fans can expect a fairly laid back, contemporary feel.

"We'll probably do stuff from the new album, we'll do stuff from Fuse (released in 2000). We do a little bit from every album usually, by the time it's all over," James said.

For James, the last two albums have gotten him back to the pop/rock category where he first made a name for himself in the 80s. Both albums feature the help of Craig Northey, the former front man for the Odds. Northey lends his brilliant guitar-playing to the mix and also helps out in the songwriting area.

"He's just a great friend," James said, referring to Northey. "I have a lot of respect for his work and we have a lot of fun."

Earlier in his career, James also developed a solid relationship with another talented musician, the legendary blues wizard, Stevie Ray Vaughn. At the time, James was a struggling musician, when he was offered a job opening up for Vaughn. On tour, James made such a strong impression that Vaughn offered to buy him a ticket to the States.

"He says to me, hey I'm opening doors for you now walk through them," says James.

After accepting the ticket, James ended up in Texas where the agents began ringing him up. In 1988, he released his first full album, a self-titled release under the Virgin Records label.

That was only the first album and since then, James has gone on to make seven more and has won accolades for his achievements every step of the way. Over the years, he has won six Juno awards, four West Coast Music awards, five Maple Blues awards and three Jazz Report awards.

In the beginning, he found it hard to adjust to the spotlight and the harsh criticism that came along with it.

"You don't have the kind of self confidence to go 'that's their opinion, I'll let it bounce off,' " James said.

Now that he's older, James has satisfied the cravings for attention and is content with where he's at.

"For me it was always about playing music. The stardom thing is intoxicating but if you can get through that without going crazy, then it's all up from there."

His latest album has been in the works for two years and is the most personal one yet according to James and is a little darker than usual.

"It's a logical extension. It's a little more organic, it's not as polished," says James.

Colin James will play Tornado Joe's Club and Grill (formerly Area 51) April 23. Advance tickets are $25 from Ticketmaster.