Playing the Changes: A Musician's Memoir

A poignant, humourous and heartfelt coming-of-age memoir from one of Canada's most beloved musicians. From the prairies of Saskatchewan to sharing the stage with some of the most important musicians of all time, Colin James is one of Canada’s greatest talents. In Playing the Changes, Colin looks back at his early years, as he emerges as a full-formed musical talent in his teens. Growing up in Saskatchewan, the son of social worker parents, Colin was always surrounded by music—from the records played at home, to the folk clubs in Regina and the Quaker gatherings his family attends throughout the province. At a very young age, he picked up his older brother's guitar and taught himself to play along to some of the vintage blues records he adored so much. He ultimately mastered the mandolin and penny whistle as well; before long he was sitting in with folk bands whose members were much older than him. Readers also will follow young Colin as he tries to navigate and understand the world around him.