Playing tonight in support of his latest album on Daptone ‘Whatever it Takes’, The James Hunter Six combine double bass, organ, drums, two saxophone brass section and Hunter on lead guitar. I don’t think it’s the line up from the album but what a great band nonetheless. They rattle though the ninety minute set with each member of the band getting time to shine, especially the brass section and organist but let’s not forget the rhythm section too tonight who keeps the soul train on the tracks.
Hunter could be described as a journeyman performer who is finally finding some deserved acclaim, especially so since his signing to Daptone a couple of years back. He combines soul, rhythm and blues and old fashioned rock and roll with that fine Sam Cooke like voice that incorporates his trademark high end howl to great effect.
The set is taken from across his catalogue including some great covers none more so than the Larry Williams track ‘Bony Moronie’. Highlights though for me include the oldies ‘People Gonna Talk’ and ‘No Smoke without Fire’. The new songs fit well in the set and more than hold their own with the old classics.
If you are looking for a great night out with some great soulful rhythm and blues and a bit of a boogie then you can’t go wrong with the excellent Mr Hunter
Keep on rock and rollin y’all