Many thanks
to ex-Westatian Mark Gallagher, who first brought this guy to my attention 8 or
9 years ago.
Allmusic.com
characterizes Hunter as an “English channeler of American soul from days of
yore”, which is probably as apt a description as any. What it doesn’t capture
is that Hunter manages to draw upon his influences while nevertheless creating
a sound that is uniquely his own. As both the lead vocalist and only guitar
player in his superb band – Hunter now bills the act as “The James Hunter Six” –
his sound heavily features his two sax players to drive his melodies, with his
alternately edgy or supremely lyrical guitar work mainly reserved for the
bridges of the songs. He also writes superb songs, both uptempo and ballads;
one of my favorite Hunter lyrics is from “Don’t Come Back”:
Never have revenge in mind
‘Cos an eye for an eye will make the
whole world blind
But forgiveness is the business of some
other diplomat
So baby don’t come back.
This is the
best of the band’s albums, but the others are well worth owning. They’re also excellent
live. And if you do pick up this CD, you’ll find that Hunter also has talent as
a sketch artist, in addition to his gifts as a songwriter, singer, and
guitarist. (OK, I’m more than a little jealous.)
Favorite
tracks:
People Gonna
Talk
Don’t Come
Back
You Can’t
Win
Kick It
Around
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