James Hunter - The Hard Way

Soul deep Brit James Hunter - who possesses a "tight, slithery soul groove" and a "sweet growl" (NY Times) - will make his Hear Music debut with the release of 'The Hard Way.' The new album finds Hunter delving further into the realm of deep soul on a set of all-original material.

'The Hard Way' was produced by Liam Watson (The White Stripes) at famed analogue haven Toe Rag Studios in London.

The instrumental palette is rich and the arrangements sharpened for 'The Hard Way.' Allen Toussaint joins Hunter on the sultry "Til The End," the rhumba "Believe Me Baby," and the title track. The gorgeous Echo Strings buoy "The Hard Way" and the romantic "Carina," with accompanying pedal steel. The jumping "Don't Do Me No Favors" is designed for the dance floor.

The album resolves with the romantic ballad "Strange But True," the first Hunter recording stripped down to just vocals and guitar. The album also showcases further evidence of Hunter's guitar prowess, his manic solos recalling the fretwork of Ike Turner.

Hunter has extensively road tested the new album, crisscrossing North America and Europe since his 2006, GRAMMY nominated album 'People Gonna Talk' put him on the map. That album took him from being "one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R'n'B and Soul," as Van Morrison put it, to a major breakout success of 2006. He opened for Etta James, Boz Scaggs, Los Lonely Boys, and Aretha Franklin; reached #1 on Billboard's Blues chart; and made several national television appearances. 'People Gonna Talk; earned him critical acclaim as well, with Rolling Stone calling it "a treat not to miss" and USA Today raving about his "sublime soul." Album Description

Fresh from the past

Surprisingly fresh feeling sending you from 2008 back to the heart of rock n roll October 31, 2008

I am burning a hole in this CD from playing it so much!!

I have listened to this cd nonstop since I got it 2 months ago. I first saw James Hunter as the opening act for Chris Isaak. I walked into the concert late, not expecting to pay attention to the opening act. And as I walked through the gate, I was blown away! I turned to my husband and asked "who the H&% is THAT?? He's AMAZING!" I ran forward to watch the show and promptly bought a cd. I'm still shaking my head that more people haven't heard of him. He's incredible. Great voice. Great writing. Great guitar. Great saxes. Great BAND. Classic style like Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.... but still has his own sound. Love, love, LOVE James Hunter! I listen to the whole album from beginning to end probably at least once a day. Best track on the cd: Jacqueline. October 17, 2008

Hunter LP

The music is outstanding. The analog sound on the vinyl has a wonderful warm sound as only analog can have. The only surprise was that it doesn't seem to be stereo. If that is indeed the case it should be noted on the record. September 1, 2008

"The Hard Way" captures Hunter's Soul and Rockin' Rhythm

James Hunter new release "The Hard Way" meets the challenge of putting out an album that rivals his previous release, "People Gonna Talk." Although Hunter shows his rockin' fervor with "Don't do me no favors" and "Jacqueline," he shows his balladeer expertise with "Hand it Over" and the ska tinged "Carina."
As in previous albums, his voice hearkens back to Jackie Wilson, which he does with the title track and "Ain't going nowhere". However, their seems to be more of a Ray Charles influence, which is evident in the aforementioned "Don't do me no favors,""She's got a Way" and "Believe me Baby."
Credit is also due to Hunter's backing band that is tight sounding as ever. If you get to see them in concert, you will be energized and buzzed all night long. August 18, 2008

So-so sound on vinyl

I tend to fall somewhat in the middle of the other reviewers. People Gonna Talk is definitely the better album. There's really no point in buying this on vinyl, since it sounds very flat and digital-which is a shame considering it was recorded at Toe Rag on all vintage analog equipment. Hopefully when People Gonna Talk comes out on vinyl, they'll do a better job!

Try to catch James live if he comes to your town--he puts on a great show! August 11, 2008

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