Last night Ellen and I saw James in concert at the Borgata Hotel and Casino Event Center. It was a great show. I think this is the third time I’ve seen James live, and he’s as sharp and energetic as ever, very funny and entertaining when speaking as well. He did two sets, each about an hour, and there wasn’t a dull moment. His band is terrific, and it’s a good-sized one with four singers, keyboardist, sax and trumpet, base and electric guitar, drummer and percussionist. At times, as above, James sits in the spotlight and plays favorites from early in his career like “Carolina In My Mind” and “Sweet Baby James” with quiet accompaniment. Other songs like “Steamroller” and “Your Smiling Face” let the band rock out. James told some stories I hadn’t heard from him before, as when introducing “Something In The Way She Moves,” which was his audition song before McCartney and Harrison for their new Apple label. It got him the job, and he mentioned what a wonderful experience it was recording his first album for them between Beatles sessions that became their White Album. Other great stories ensued, and James was funny with audience comments, too. When people called out song requests, he held up the big playlist board lying flat on the stage next to him, pointing out the ones they’d asked for, or later just pointing at the board and either making an “OK” sign or a sad shrug. There were several encores to a standing ovation crowd. The event sold out almost immediately when tickets went on sale. I missed that, and had to pay outrageous scalper prices online, but it was well worth it, and I’d do it again in a minute. Long may he sing!