James Hunter (singer)
 | This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (September 2011) |
James Hunter | |
|---|---|
 Hunter and his band at La Zona Rosa 7, February 2009, Austin, Texas | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Neil James Huntsman |
| Born | 2 October 1962 Colchester, Essex, England |
| Genres | Rhythm and blues, blue-eyed soul |
| Occupation(s) | Songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Labels | GO Records, Hear, Big Beat, Ace, Rounder, Ruf, Daptone Records |
| Website | www.jameshuntermusic.com |
James Hunter (born 2 October 1962, Colchester, Essex) is an English R&B musician and soul singer.
Career[]
Hunter's career began with a band called Howlin' Wilf and the Vee-Jays, who released their first album in 1986 entitled Cry Wilf.[1] Later he released three more with his own band. He spent much of the 1990s playing small clubs in London, such as the Weavers Pub in Islington (North London), and the 100 Club on Oxford Street in London. Hunter's soulful style drew the attention of Van Morrison, who appeared on Hunter's first album released on Ace, Believe What I Say, in 1996. (Morrison sang backing vocals on "Turn On Your Love Light" and "Ain't Nothing You Can Do".)[1] Hunter's relationship with Morrison led to a tour with the latter in the early 1990s; he sang backing vocals on Morrison's 1994 live album, A Night in San Francisco, and his 1995 studio recording Days Like This.[2] Hunter's first solo release in the United States, his 2006 breakthrough album People Gonna Talk, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album at the 49th Grammy Awards ceremony.[3] He parted ways with Rounder Records in 2008 and issued the album The Hard Way via Hear Music/Concord.
In popular culture[]
- His song "This Is Where We Came In" was featured in the Superstore episode "Christmas Eve".
- His song "Chicken Switch" was featured in the Sneaky Pete episode "Safe".
- His song "'Til Your Fool Comes Home" was featured in the Boston Legal episode "Duck and Cover".
Discography[]
Solo and as leader[]
Howlin' Wilf & The Veejays:
- Howlin Wilf & the Vee-Jays, Cry Wilf! (1986) re-issued by Big Beat (2002)
- Blue Men Sing The Whites (mini LP) Waterfront WF 036 (1987)
- Howlin' Wilf & The Vee-Jays, Unamerican Activities BRAVE 8 (1988/89)
- 6 By Six (six song mini album) Hound Dog BUT 004 (1990)
James Hunter:
- (1996) Ace Records, appearances by Van Morrison and Doris Troy
- (1999) Ruf Records, produced by Boz Boorer
- People Gonna Talk (2006) Rounder Records
- The Hard Way (2008) Hear Music
The James Hunter Six:
- Minute By Minute[4] (2013) Universal[5]
- Hold On! (2016), Daptone Records
- Whatever It Takes (2018), Daptone Records
- Nick of Time (2020), Daptone Records
Album appearances[]
- A Night in San Francisco (1994) with Van Morrison
- Days Like This (1995) with Van Morrison
- Live at KEXP Volume 5 Track 13: Hunter's "Don't Do Me No Favours" (Various Artists) (2009)
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b Colin Larkin, ed. (2000). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music (First ed.). Virgin Books. p. 196. ISBN 0-7535-0427-8.
- ^ "James Hunter and the Return of Analog Soul". NPR.
- ^ "49th Annual Grammy Awards Winners List". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on 20 December 2006.
- ^ "The James Hunter Six Keep Time on 'Minute by Minute' Song Premiere | Music News". Rolling Stone. 5 December 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
- ^ Perusse, Bernard (23 February 2013). "New music review: Minute by Minute, The James Hunter Six (Universal) | Montreal Gazette". The Gazette. Montreal. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
External links[]
- 1962 births
- Living people
- English male singers
- English rhythm and blues musicians
- Blues rock musicians
- English soul singers
- People from Colchester
- Van Morrison
- Rounder Records artists
- Daptone Records artists