November 8, 2006
Colin James & The Little Big Band 3 (MapleMusic Recordings)
4 STARS

You ever want to just drop everything and put some rockin' music on and have a good time? Well, here's the soundtrack to your night.

The third installment of Colin James' tribute to the swing and blues sounds of days gone by, this is a rockin' collection of soulful blues tunes, upbeat rock 'n' rollers and jazzy rhythm and blues. Van Morrison's "I Will Be There," Johnny Otis' "The Night Is Young (And You're So Fine)," Jackie Wilson's "Reet Petite" and Doc Pomus'/Ray Charles' "Lonely Avenue" are some of the tunes found here. Colin's band -- trumpet player, trombone players, pianists, organists and upright bassist -- are phenomenal players, some of whom have played with guys like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Delbert McClinton. Colin of course is in fine form on guitar here, but his vocals are great too -- yeah, he can sing those upbeat rockers just fine, but he pulls out emotive ballads on here, too, and the results are wonderful.

This album is totally infectious. Colin sounds like he is having a blast, and you will too.
Eric Lewis / Moncton Times & Transcript / November 8, 2006