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Writer's pictureBeth Kaufmann

The James Hunter Six (Daptone)

Updated: Jan 21, 2020

British Soul singer James Hunter returns with a new Rhythm & Blues collection of songs scheduled for release on March 6, 2020 in the US, entitled Nick of Time. Working, as ususal, with his band The James Hunter Six, Nick Of Time further stretches the envelope from his previous six albums, all of which received critical acclaim. The first Brit to sign with Brooklyn's Daptone Records, Hunter is respected on both sides of the pond, with Good Morning America, hailing his previous release, Whatever It Takes, for being listed having the #12 Best Album Of The Year of 2018.


Nick of Time, was produced and recorded at Penrose Studios in Riverside, CA, by Daptone co-founder Bosco Martin. The songs conjure up images of the 1960s era when Soul records were driven by exceptional vocal performances, Hunter brings that sound into the 21st century with a sense of timeless appeal that can often be elusive.

Opening the collection with syncopated drums, bass and sax, “I Can Change Your Mind” sets the tone for Hunter’s sensual vocals and message of having “love so strong he’s confident he can change her mind despite the deception and deceit.” Hunter explores a new artistic direction, moving into the realm of Dave Brubeck, and recording his first ¾ song, featuring his debut on chromatic harmonic. He professes about the track, “I think I had three tunes in my head when I wrote this number, including Ray Charles’ theme from The Cincinnati Kid, Lou Johnson’s “It Ain’t No Use,” and Bacharat’s instrumental from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”


James Hunter writes compelling tunes with lyrics that focus light onto everyday situations such as love, truth, forgiveness and the search for respect and understanding. These songs hit a groove from the first notes to the last with a velvety smoothness that draws the listener into the rhythm of the music, making the journey seem cosmically guided. The James Hunter Six will tour extensively in the US and UK beginning in March, with stops in Boston, New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Minneapolis Austin, Los Angeles, and in Europe beginning in the Netherlands on Friday, May 1, and shows in Germany, Paris, Belgium and London.


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