Tonight at 8:00, Casey took the stage in the Chrome Showroom as the headlining performer at the Sante Fe Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  He got things started with his trio of Texas-style ditties:  “Long, Tall Texan,” “Bulletproof,” and “Need Some Texas.”  Then he played a song very appropriate to the venue , “She’s Money.”

After that, he seduced the crowd with “I Lied,” “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night,” and “So Sweet.”  Then he went down, down with “Drowning on Dry Land,” working it out and wailing on his guitar.  He continued with the bluesy, funky “Use Me.”  Casey savored the mood on this one with lots of jamming on his guitar and growly vocals.  Since Casey started performing this song this month, it’s been providing a great opportunity for Billy Nobel, the keyboardist, to show his chops with a solo.

The rocking “Green Light Girl” was the next song.  Casey’s sultry and romantic interpretation of “Need Your Love So Bad” followed, and he included a drawn out, seductive guitar solo.  The crowd was going wild!  Mr. James continued with his signature “Shine Your Shoes,” and “Too Sweet For Me.”  Starting the engine on the finale, Casey hit the gas on “Drive,” (alright, I’ll stop with the puns) and concluded his set with the always riveting “Done Made Up My Mind.”  But the crowd wouldn’t let him leave so he did an encore of the plaintive “Why I’m Feeling Blue” and the enchanting cry “Undone.”

Cyndee (@CyndeeMN) was kind enough to call in from the concert.  You can listen to it here.

Videos

Bulletproof (@betheshep)

You Need Some Texas (@betheshep)

I Lied (@betheshep)

So Sweet (@betheshep)

Use Me (@caseyscrew205) 

Drive (@caseyscrew205)

Undone (@caseyscrew205)

Why I’m Feeling Blue (@caseyscrew205)

Why I’m Feeling Blue (@betheshep)

CASEY JAMES LIGHTS UP LAS VEGAS

By Sheryl Clark

Casey James busted a string on his favorite blue guitar and blew away the expectations of the audience at the Chrome Theater in Las Vegas. Most of those in the crowd of 300 people were only familiar with James from the television show. They were enthusiastic about the performance that kicked off with Shine Your Shoes and introduced them to rocking numbers like Drive, Bulletproof and Done Made Up My Mind.

“He plays the guitar almost as well as Kenny Wayne Shepherd – and he has a better voice,” remarked David Piersall.

James had the audience calling out during the bluesy cover Drownin’ on Dry Land even before the guitar string popped loose. He played five guitars, including the baby blue electric instrument that he designed.

New acoustic songs made up the encore. James is known for his ability to infuse a song with ache and regret as he does in Why I’m Feeling Blue. Come Undone, another new tune, is a heartfelt tribute to love and support.

This was James’ last stop on his West Coast Tour. He graciously thanked people for attending the show, “especially those who followed me to attend several shows.” This remark was directed at the front rows of dancing, applauding fans who sang along with every song!

Audience comments reflected their delight with the “incredible” and “talented” Casey James. “I had no idea he could play the guitar like that,” smiled Ashley Barrett.

He will spend the next several months in the studio with his band members, Billy Nobel on keyboards, Nolan Verner on bass and Johnny “the Clock” Richardson polishing up the tracks for his first album, due in January. James has written over 60 songs with Grammy and BMI Award winning songwriters. He was able to showcase several of these during his recent tour.

Now that his tour performances have merited hundreds of new fans, James needs to buy some new guitar strings and deliver a CD to all those waiting to enjoy more of his music.

More Pictures!

Following pics are by @cyndeeMN. To see all her pics posted go here.

Here’s a picture of Casey at the concert’s afterparty.

Tweets

Diane (@deesquared777) saw Casey break a guitar string and asked Casey’s manager, Barry, if she could have it.  Barry kindly obliged.  Then, Diane tweeted this:

@deesquared777: @CaseyEJames played so flippin hard in Vegas he broke a string!!! I have said string in my hand!!!!! (and she tweeted this photo)

betheshep:  @caseyejames: AMAZING show tonight! loved every minute XO

We’ll include more details as we receive them so keep checking back.