In an era where every type of music has a genre and sub-genre, it should be easy to label a performer like Casey James. The former American Idol contestant has been embraced by the country music world, but after witnessing James in concert, I was pleasantly surprised that his style resembles Stevie Ray Vaughn and The Allman Brothers more than it resembles Waylon or Willie.
Perhaps the most surprising element of James’ performance at Niagara Falls, NY’s best kept secret, The Icehouse, was his prowess on guitar. Throughout the evening, James had his head down, seemingly staring at the frets while his blonde hair obscured his face. His stage presence reminded me of a young Kenny Wayne Shepard.
It was truly an intimate affair; maybe 150 people witnessed a show that by all rights should have been packed. Granted, it’s been over a year since James released his eponymous debut and even longer since he was on Idol, but that isn’t all that long ago is it?
Perhaps what James is facing now is the fact that he hasn’t had time to establish himself as a premier live performer. Even with the lack of quantity in attendance, there was no lack of quality. James made the most of his signature hits like “Let’s Don’t Call it a Night,” and he even treated fans to a new song “Breaking Through the Blue,” but it was the well placed and well played cover songs that really added some fire to the set, including a solid rendition of Tom Petty’s “Apartment Song.”
Nonetheless, James undoubtedly saved the best for last, closing with an excellent rendition of the Paul Simon classic, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” accentuated with a flugelhorn solo reminiscent of Sting’s early solo material. After “50 Ways,” James blazed through “Polk Salad Annie” with searing vocals and gritty blues guitar solos, figuratively ending the night with an exclamation point.
Later this year James will have a chance to show off his live chops during his opening slot of Taylor Swift’s “Red” tour. It may not expose James to the type of crowd that can appreciate his style, but it will give some added exposure to a great musician so that the next time he comes to town there won’t be any room to move.
Set List:
Drive
She’s Money
Let’s Don’t Call it a Night
Working On It
Breaking Through the Blue (new song)
Woman’s Touch
Good Life
Apartment Song (Tom Petty cover)
So High
Cryin’ on a Suitcase
Mason Dixon Line (Corey Crowder guest on lead vocals)
Polk Salad Annie (Tony Joe White cover) with 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (Paul Simon cover)
All Photos by Gus Griesinger
We would like to thank Ross Catalino from Back to Back Entertainment for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to review the show.
