This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Say what you will about Colin James, you can’t accuse him of being stuck in a rut.
Since he got his start two decades ago jamming with Big Dave McLean in Winnipeg haunts, the singer-guitarist has remained constantly in motion, exploring his own musical landscape while maintaining connection with his blues roots. Electric bar-room rocker, acoustic blues troubadour, retro-swing big-band leader, pop-rock hitmaker; James has been all of these. On his latest album Traveler, he makes his next move, venturing into a mellower, richer realm of adult-oriented material. The 11-song album is bookended by slow-burning, wah-wah-drenched covers of John Lennon’s I’m Losing You and Jimi Hendrix’s Rainy Day, Dream Away. Between those familiar landmarks, James turns the lights down and kicks back, turning in a set dominated by tasty, Motown-inspired soul ballads and gentle pop-rock grooves that offer plenty of room for his supple, raspy pipes and gently weeping guitar. Traveler may not provide the high-speed adrenaline of some of Colin’s work, but for adults who like things a little more relaxed, it’s an enjoyable trip.
