T. Martinez | Phoenix, AZ United States | 03/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"James Hunter is absolutely brilliant. I've had this CD since it was first released, and years later, I still haven't tired of it.
The man's voice is phenomenal. I could swear he was black, rather than English. A definite set of pipes. I'm almost convinced that a) he's either possessed by the ghost of Sam Cooke, or b) Sam Cooke is alive and well and James is just doing the whole Milli Vanilli thing. His backing band is fantastic, as well. They really have the vintage R&B thing down to a perfection. The cover of Clyde McPhatter's "Lover's Question" is so amazing. I love Mr. McPhatter's music to death... but I think James definitely one-upped him!
The only track I don't care for is "Turn On Your Love Light" with Van Morrisson... only because I don't like Van Morrison. James definitely outshines him on that track!
So yes, I highly suggest buying this album... along with the others."
This Guy Can Really Sing!!!
comptgrad | Los Angeles, CA United States | 02/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We'll I actually just received my CD of James Hunter the other day and have been enjoying every one of the songs. I actually had to do a little bit of searching trying to track down Mr. Hunter's CD after hearing the song, "It's So Easy to Say" on the local blues station. If you are into the sounds of the 50's and early 60's types of Rythym and Blues you'll love these songs. They have the groove and sound of modern-day interpretations while at the same time clearly show their early R&B influences. I will definietly buy Mr. Hunter's other CD's and hope some day he'll make it to the US so that I can see him live or maybe I'll have to save up and go to the UK? Did I say that the guy truely has a great voice and can sing!"
Kick It Around - James Hunter
Bruce Woolf | Atlanta, Ga | 07/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hi All! I am guessing that by now you know that it takes a very, very special CD to rate being reviewed by me. Average maybe, one in every 20 is reviewed. Well here is one that literally knocked my socks off when I played it. James Hunter a young German National has captured the essence of the 50's & early 60's Rock and Rhythm & Blues. One sensational track followed by another. Listening to James and I find no problem at all picturing him with the likes of Little Isidore & Little Leopold. The sound is THERE!! Doing a couple of oldies and a load of originally written tunes. All vocals are by James Hunter. Along with his vocal abilities, he plays one Great guitar. This will be evidenced on the one instrumental offering on the CD. I know you will feel the same as I do when you sit and listen to James Hunter. Did I say SIT?? Well you won't be sitting still!!"
Under the Radar
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"James Hunter is an r&b revivalist. His style is not new; however, he certainly nails the genre, managing to sound two parts Sam Cooke and one part Georgie Fame. "Don't tell me now, I know I'm on trial, so kick it around for awhile," he sings on the bubbly title track with Nick Lunt's baritone sax smoking. "Because You're Mine" rocks with a great boogie woogie tenor sax of Damian Hand bopping joyfully. "Believe Me Baby," slams out of the speakers with Hunter's expressive vocals, "I love you, baby, & I always will, but your big mouth's about to get me killed." The instrumental "Night Bus" has equal parts sleazy Neil Hefti and Dick Dale beach boogie in a great sonic explosion. "Tell Her for Me" closes the CD with Hunter sounding about as soulful as Sam Cooke, "I asked the moon if you catch her eye, tell her for me as you pass by." His cover of Clyde McPhatter's "A Lover's Question" is an excellently rendered homage. This is one of those CDs that you might have to seek out under the radar, but is well worth the journey. Bravo!