James Hunter

James Hunter

James Hunter is a British R&B and soul singer and guitarist from Colchester, England, born in 1962. He is associated with jazz and blues as well as soul, rhythm and blues, and related retro styles drawing on 1950s and 1960s R&B, early rock and roll, and early soul. His voice is often compared with singers such as Sam Cooke, Georgie Fame and Jackie Wilson.

Career

Hunter starts his roots music career in the 1980s under the name Howlin' Wilf. He later records under his own name, writing most of the material on his albums. His solo debut, Believe What I Say, comes out in 1994 and includes guest appearances by Doris Troy and Van Morrison. In the mid-1990s, he also appears on a couple of Van Morrison albums and performs in Morrison’s Rhythm and Blues Revue.

He describes his career as an “overnight success that took 20 years”, reflecting the long period between his early work and wider recognition. He is also known as a skilled guitarist.

Albums and recognition

Kick It Around appears in 2001. People Gonna Talk follows in 2006 and brings him strong acclaim and his first recognition in major US year-end lists. The album is nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album at the 49th Grammy Awards. The Hard Way is released in 2008, recorded at Toe Rag Studios in London, and includes an appearance by Allen Toussaint.

Band

He performs with The James Hunter Six.