It’s me and the missus tonight and after a good Turkish meal nearby it’s a short trot through trendy Maryleb...one to the venue. A sparse crowd meets us with the room about a third to half full. Ordinarily I’d have concerns about the atmosphere but tonight it’s all about great soul music and plenty of room to boogie.
And boogie everyone did. It’s a rattling set taking in highlights from his last three albums with ‘Chicken Switch’, ‘Minute by minute’, ‘Jacqueline’ and ‘Let the monkey ride’ all standing out. The horn section tonight was particularly great with a beautiful balance between bass and tenor sax. All accompanied by a brilliant organist who keep the rhythm going throughout.
James Hunter has one of those classic soul voices in the style of Sam Cooke which is made even more surprising as he’s a middle aged white guy. The band covers the 5 Royales ‘Baby Don’t Do it’ who Hunter proclaims as the inventors of Soul.
It’s over in a flash and it’s time to put the dancing shoes to bed and make our way home.