"2006 Grammy Nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album of the Year" — "James is one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R & B and soul. Check him out." -Van Morrison — On his U.S. debut, James Hunte... more »r proves to be a man of impeccable taste who has learned from his influences rather than simply imitating them. 'People Gonna Talk' features 14 original tracks written and arranged by Hunter, who partnered with producer Liam Watson to create a wonderfully rich, classic soul sound. The album was recorded at Watson's Toe Rag Studios in East London (also home to The White Stripes' 'Elephant'), where vintage analog equipment captured the warmth of Hunter's authentic and heartfelt sensibilities.« less
"2006 Grammy Nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album of the Year"
"James is one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R & B and soul. Check him out." -Van Morrison
On his U.S. debut, James Hunter proves to be a man of impeccable taste who has learned from his influences rather than simply imitating them. 'People Gonna Talk' features 14 original tracks written and arranged by Hunter, who partnered with producer Liam Watson to create a wonderfully rich, classic soul sound. The album was recorded at Watson's Toe Rag Studios in East London (also home to The White Stripes' 'Elephant'), where vintage analog equipment captured the warmth of Hunter's authentic and heartfelt sensibilities.
I. Gross Georg | Edmond, Oklahoma USA | 03/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not since Lenny Kravitz has an artist come on the scene with new music that sounds like it was 40 years old...and that's as far as you can get from being a bad thing. Thank God for Rounder Records, and for independent labels.
This man doesn't sound like anybody but James Hunter, influences notwithstanding, and you could have picked my teeth off the floor when I heard him speak on NPR. I couldn't believe a man that spoke like this could sound like this. I was sold instantly.
You know, if young black artists would rather sound like [name your favorite god-awful rap music artist] than Dee Clark, Billy Stewart, and Jackie Wilson, they've got only themselves to blame if the Europeans pick up the ball they so willingly let slip from their hands. More power to them! This is the stuff I grew up with and love. I'm ecstatic to find new material in the new millennium that's not a remake that has that same sound. And if it weren't for the Internet (and public radio), nobody'd ever know about this artist.
I always wanted to know why there couldn't be singers today that can write their own songs and have a distinct style yet still pay homage to the past. Folks, we've found the one artist so far in the world that can do it!
It's about time."
"People Gonna Talk" ... About James Hunter's Soulful Music!
Steven R. Struck | Philadelphia, PA | 03/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"James Hunter's musical style harkens back to the days of classic 50's and early 60's R&B and soul, yet is wonderfully fresh and original and pays homage to these wonderful, vintage sounds without simply imitating them. Listen to James Hunter's first U.S. CD release "People Gonna Talk" and you will hear parts Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, James Brown and Ray Charles. Having toured and played with Van Morrison in the 1990's, Van asserts that "James is one of the best kept secrets in British R'n'B and Soul. Check Him Out." James Hunter's band features a baritone and tenor saxophone, stand-up bass, drums, and skillful guitar played by James himself. The 14 top-notch original songs on "People Gonna Talk" contain infectious vocals and songwriting that will stick in your head after the very first listen. The catchy title track features a ska beat to give the song a classic, rhythmic feel. Other standout songs include "Talkin 'Bout My Love", "I'll Walk Away" and "No Smoke Without Fire", which blends an upbeat horn arrangement with James Hunter's brilliant vocals and clever songwriting:
The alibi you sold me
You know it ain't water tight
A little birdie told me
And I got you dead to rights
No one's calling you a liar but
There's no smoke without fire
The liner notes to this CD contain all of the lyrics as well as some cool artwork and illustrations of the band members drawn by James Hunter himself.
If you ever get the opportunity to see James Hunter perform live, treat yourself and you'll be very glad you did. I recently saw James Hunter perform in Philadelphia at the World Cafe Live, and his touring band was superb ... his set was exciting and fun and really showcased James' impassioned vocals and skilled guitar-playing as well as impressive sax and bass solos. I actually got the opportunity to meet and talk briefly with James himself before his show in Philly, and one thing was very clear ... that in additon to being a talented musician and singer, James Hunter is one of the nicest and friendliest blokes you'll ever meet.
"People Gonna Talk" alright, about James Hunter's wonderfully soulful music!
"
People gonna talk...
circa1850 | North Carolina | 08/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"about this british hipster with an american style rockabilly and 50ish style perfected. Had I not heard him on an NPR interview, I would have never guessed Mr. Hunter was a brit. This disc is a delight with strong arrangements and vocals."
Phew! What a Scorcher!!!
Laura MacMahon | Philadelphia, PA USA | 07/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Recently, I've been doing quite a bit of revisiting the roots of that musical tree still growing in my heart. I made this "new" discovery of which I was totally gobsmacked at its just plain coolness. I am speaking James Hunter's "People Gonna Talk." To a wild reception, completely out of the blue, one of our most talented, yet little-known British cousins have taken the genre of "Music Americana" and transformed it to another, higher level of brilliance. Some may agree, others may not, but I must put it out there that everybody should check-out this soulful English artist (although one would likely never guess his heritage at first listen).
I serendipitously happen to catch an interview with him on our local NPR station. From the strength of Mr. Hunter's generous, infectiously affable manner I immediately went out and purchased the CD. What a refreshing surprise to enjoy a disc COMPLETELY devoid of ANY crappy track on it, and every single song is originally penned. His sound, if one can imagine, is a sort of mish-mash-homage to Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Robert Cray, Otis Redding, and Junior Walker (among others) all fused into a listening experience that's both brand spanking new and, at the same moment, oddly and lovingly familiar. His back-up band is as tight as can be imagined; and it truly is high time for the return of the smokin' Sax solo. Even if R&B is not your particular cup of tea in musical taste, I suggest a listen before judging. My 4-year-old daughter is *totally* into this CD and we've played it constantly since purchased. Her fave track is number 6: the sweet ballad for "Mollena." My favorite (which keeps switching daily) is currently track number 7: the haunting, sauntering, can't-get-it-outta-my-mind "I'll Walk Away." This has to be my MOST beloved disc for 2006 and I am delighted to give it five-PLUS stars!"