Photo Credit: James O’Mara
On October 8, 2024, Colin James continues Lucinda Williams’ 2014 cry for salvation. The blues-rocker, known for his 80s-era stints opening for guitar great Stevie Ray Vaughn, has co-opted the songstresses’ Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone cut, “Protection.” In a unique twist, James collaborated with Williams, bringing her in as a complimentary voice on his interpretation, released in video form today.
The official “Protection” music video takes viewers into Nashville’s Pinhead Recorders, a 1,000-square-foot home studio located in collaborator Colin Linden’s backyard, for an up-close and intimate look at the recording process. Tapping into the roots of James’ musical exposure, he saunters the line between the comfortability of his musical tendencies, which favor the fused category of blues-rock, while letting his guest’s saga in Americana music shine through as a catalyst of feminine force.
“Lucinda Williams is such a revered songwriter, such a legend. But she’s so nice. And hearing our voices together on tape was such a pleasure,” James told Relix.
In addition to Williams, who goes from chorus aid to verse lead as the song progresses, more guests percolate, including Nashville natives Ann and Regina McCrary, who take the song to soaring heights, grazing the heavens and ultimately preluding guitar builds and solos from James. Linden’s slide technique propels a vintage shade that promotes the longevity and timeless appeal of “Protection,” ultimately furthering the track’s blues effect,
“And with gospel greats Ann and Regina McCrary chiming in too, who up in heaven could deny their tenderest mercies? I had a wonderful time making this video with Lucinda, my co-producer Colin Linden and crew. Nashville feels like home to me after going there to work over so many years now and getting to know Lucinda a little better was an absolute joy,” James concluded.
“Protection” represents one of four covers James chose to appear on his latest LP release, Chasing the Sun, which debuted in full on August 23, 2024. The aforementioned album represents the musician’s 21st set after his 2021 collection, Open Road, which earned a nod from the Memphis, Tenn.-based Blues Foundation, furthering his place as a genre favorite.
Reflecting on his path, James added, “Maybe people don’t buy into a blues guy in his early ‘20s,” he laughed. “When you’re knocking at the door at age 60, people are like, ‘Oh yeah, come on in.’”
For more information on Colin James, visit his official website. Purchase Chasing the Sun.
Watch the official music video for “Protection” below.
Chasing the Sun Tracking List:
1 Protection (Featuring Lucinda Williams) 4:53
2 I’m Still Alive 5:18
3 Devilment (Featuring Charlie Musselwhite) 3:16
4 Crystal Ball 3:37
5 How It Feels To Be Loved 6:06
6 Star Studded Sky 4:13
7 Too Far Gone 3:51
8 In My Own Dream 4:53
9 This Song Kills Hate 4:24
10 Come To Find Out (Featuring Charlie Musselwhite) 5:02
11 Open Your Mind 4:43
The post Video Premiere: Colin James Reprises Lucinda Williams’ 2014 Cry for Salvation on “Protection” appeared first on Relix Media.
