Say what you will about Colin James, you can't accuse him of being stuck in a rut.

Since his days jamming with Big Dave McLean in local haunts two decades ago, the singer-guitarist has remained almost 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, Colin 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 Hendrix's Rainy Day, Dream Away.

Between those familiar landmarks, James lowers the lights 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 rush of some of Colin's earlier work, but for adults who like things a little more relaxed, it's an enjoyable trip. (More on Colin James)

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[[+3]] Friday, September 12, 2003

'Traveler' an enjoyable trip