Last night at the Wolf’s Den at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Ct. James Otto let loose with his Country Blues sound and style thrilling the  crowd.  When there was not a seat remaining,  fans stood mesmerized by his music and his mere presence.  Fans gathered  around the outside of the Wolf’s Den  in the casino area just to listen and even dance to James’ music, while the crowd inside the Wolf’s Den danced and sang along.

Jame’s started off the evening with his energetic “Are Ya With Me” getting the crowd right into the nights fun, followed up by  “These Are The Good Old Days“.  At this point James had the crowd yelling and singing back to him and things just continued to fly even higher.  James kicked into high gear with “Lover Man“  and the men could be seen singing to their ladies and smiling as the ladies smiled back and even kissed their men.  James then stated that even though it was cold outside we are gonna get this place heated up and kicked into his first single from his new album “Shake What God Gave Ya” with the single  “Groovy Little Summer Song“.  At this point the crowd was really into the show and was really having a good time.  The waitresses where all running around taking orders for cold drinks as the fans all started to heat up.

James Otto on Stage at the Wolfs Den

James went back in time and sang his version of Bob Seger’s “Night Moves“.  The older fans all started to sing along as the younger fans looked around and asking each other if this was a new song, but could be seen grooving to the song.  James took this song to new heights with smokey blues sound at the end of the song that should really be recorded.  Bringing up today’s economic woes and struggles that that America is going through James broke into “Love Don’t Cost A Thing“.  James picked a great song for the middle of his set, telling the crowd that not everything cost money and to enjoy life and love.  Following up with ” Sun Comes’ Round Again” he must have his wife in mind when he sings this song, because the feelings that pour out of him are incredible.  “Good Time For A Good Time” was next on this evenings set list, telling everyone to forget what was going on in life and to take time to enjoy themselves and have  a good time.  With “Shake What God Gave Ya” James had everyone on their feet and clapping along.  Actually taking time to reiterate to people to get up and have fun and that the Bingo Parlor was out in the casino and let’s have some fun. He made a point to tell an older fan that it was okay to stay seated and asked her if she was having a good time at which the fan was all smiles.  As always James never leaves out his idol Ronnie Milsap, breaking out into “Ain’t Getting Over Me“.

James Otto with Country Fan Network Co-Founder Stephen Gibbons and his wife Patricia

In true fashion James smokey country blues sound really came out and  showed the fans why he is so great at his craft.  James fun side came out with reference to his next song, “Since You Brought It Up, Why Not Bring It Over“  stating “This should be the theme song for Viagra” getting a good laugh out of the crowd. James took a little time to talk about the next song  ” Soldiers and Jesus” and tell the crowd about his family’s Military history and how his Grandfather was in World War II and his father was in Korea fighting in some cold God forsaken land and how he served in the Navy.  James told the crowd how proud he was of the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and all over the word and those that served in the past and to those who will serve this great country of ours in the future.  This song holds a special spot in his heart.  James finished with his first hit ” Just Got Started Lovin You“  as the crowd went wild and where all standing up and singing at the top of their lungs, you could see the appreciation on James face to hear the crowd singing back to him.

James said good night and left the stage with the crowd screaming for more at which time he came out for an encore performance and sang the hit song written by himself and Jamey Johnson and dedicated the song to his Grandparents, “In Color” really got to everyone, you could hear a pin drop when James explained the story behind the song, and it really gave a new meaning to the song.
After James finished his show, James took time to meet with his fans and say hello, sign autographs and take pictures.  The crowd was really appreciative and respectful while standing in a very long line to meet their favorite country superstar

I must say, having listened to James Otto latest cd for hours on end, there is no comparison for his sound on a CD.  To really appreciate the talent he has,  you really need to go see James Otto Live and hear for yourself the difference.  His smooth smokey southern blues sound is incredible and James is going to be around for a long time.  The way he writes his music and turns it into something special is pretty phenomenal.  There are not enough singer-song writers that can do what James Otto does.