Casey James - If You Don't Know By Now

Casey James - If You Don't Know By Now - Self-produced

Singer-guitarist Casey James may be best known as a finalist on the "American Idol" TV show. While blues was the heart of his musical soul, after "American Idol," he was signed to a major-label country deal. However, the limitations of commercial country overlapped only with his passions. More recently, with drummer-producer Tom Hambridge at the helm, he has turned to his love of the blues while also allowing him to display his instrumental skills. His latest album is a set of fiery blues-rock and soulful blues with a healthy dose of soul. A tough studio band supports James' guitar and vocals. The band includes Hambridge on drums, Tommy McDonald on bass, Mike Rojas on keyboards, Rob McNelley on rhythm guitar, Emmanuel Echem on trumpet, Bryan Meggison on saxophone, and Desmond Ng on trombone. Hambridge and Wendy Moten provide backing vocals.

Fans of Delbert McLinton or John Nemeth's bluesier side will likely find Casey James to their taste. His passionate singing and searing blues-rock guitar certainly capture the listener's attention. A couple of songs may be a bit too rock-flavored for the likes of some, the high-stepping groove of "Girl's Got Something" certainly should appeal to most listeners. Then there is a superb ballad, "Here To Please," and the equally soulful, finger-snapping title track with a marvelously crafted guitar solo. Another outstanding performance is the soul-blues of "Wish Me Luck," which again illustrates how convincing a singer James can be as the Rojas' organ and the horns riff in support. Also, there is another well-crafted guitar solo on this song. 

James gets a party groove going on the exhilarating of the funky "Come On Saturday Night." If you aren't at least tapping your feet, have someone check your pulse. There is also some rowdy kazoo playing on this track. Also of note is "Nothing But Time," which sounds like a classic 50's Gulf-Coast swamp pop number. The album closes with the atmospheric, swampy, slide guitar blues-rock two-part "Faith," with James singing and playing his heart out. With the broad mix performances on "If You Don't Know By Now," listeners will be quite aware of whom Casey Jones is. He indeed handles a soulful ballad with as much authority as a stomping blues rocker. 

I believed I received my review copy from Casey James. Here is a recent Casey Jones performance.