courtesy Sony Music Nashville |
The fact that he was an accomplished electric guitarist made an even bigger impression on me during the 2010 competition shows.
Unfortunately, he lost out to Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze in the top 3.
After touring with Sugarland in ‘11, James released his solid, self-titled debut album via 19/BNA/Sony Music Nashville last year. The Texas native co-produced it with Chris Lindsey and had a hand in writing most of the tracks.
The release debuted at #2 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and two singles have made good headway on the Country charts (“Let’s Don’t Call it a Night,” #21; “Crying on a Suitcase, #16 airplay).
This summer, he will open for Taylor Swift on her “Red” tour (including Aug. 19-20, 23-24 at LA’s Staples Center).
Tuesday night, James and his four-piece band had fans whooping and hollering (especially
the ladies, who were obviously enamored by the hunky
singer) throughout a fine 75-minute concert at the Brandin’ Iron Saloon &
Dance Hall.
“It looks like a Friday night in here,” said the
singer/guitarist, surveying the packed San Bernardino nightclub. Then they
launched the 13-song set with “The Good Life” - among half a dozen tracks
from the album to receive a live airing.
The musicians, including a keyboardist and a guitarist/pedal
steel player, were all smiles onstage and definitely having a good time. James did some soulful vocals and tasty guitar
on “She’s Money” and just plain sizzled on the bluesy “Drive,” propelled by his
slide Resonator guitar work.
“We debuted this nearby at Camp Pendleton,” noted James,
before the swoon-worthy, steel guitar-infused ballad “Love the Way You Miss Me.”
Both “Crying on a Suitcase” and “Let’s
Don’t Call it a Night” came across strongly here.
He also unveiled a handful of promising
new tunes that continued to give a stylistic tip of the hat to formative early influences
like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Doyle Bramhall II. Many times, the selections would
feature extended outros.
For the fantastic closer, James and band tore into an epic rocking
version of Tony Joe White’s 1969 hit “Polk Salad Annie.”
1 comment:
Nice review! I love Casey James! He puts on a great show, the band is tight and the songs are amazing!! This guy has a great future ahead of him and as a long-time fan, I'm enjoying the ride.
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