By Jim Rowland
‘Off The Fence’ marks a significant milestone in the career of Essex-born rhythm’n’soul sensation James Hunter. It’s 40 years this year since his first release, then known as Howlin’ Wilf, and this, his 11studio album, is also his first release on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label following a 13-year-plus relationship with Daptone Records. And there’s a significant very special guest appearance too.
Although Hunter was still in his early 20’s when he launched his recording career with Howlin’ Wilf & the Veejays, it wasn’t until he hit his 40s that he gained any significant acclaim and success, which came first in the ÜS 20 years ago, with a GRAMMY nomination and a Billboard Blues Chart-topping album. Once the ÜS had taken note, things picked up on these shores too, with Hunter being hailed by some of the ÜK press as “the UK’s greatest soul singer”.
And talking of great soul singers, Hunter is joined here by the legend that is Van Morrison, a man who he has collaborated with before, with Van The Man adding his vocal talents to the infectious blues shuffle of ‘Ain’t That A Trip’, one of many album highlights here, featuring some quality harmonica and guitar work.
’Two Birds With One Stone’ kicks the album off with a bit of a Latin feel, ‘Let Me Out Of This Love’ and ‘One For Ripley’ provide moments of pure quality soul, with ‘Here And Now’ and ‘Particular’ sitting back a little more in soul ballad territory. But whilst some of the album sits back, the likes of ‘Off The Fence’, ‘Trouble Comes Calling’ and ‘A Sure Thing’ provide uplifting, up-tempo slices of swinging rhythm’n’soul cool, with the belting organ-led groove of ‘Gun Shy’ being the best of the bunch here for me.
Produced with a totally authentic, old-school vibe, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was the work of a black American soul sensation from the 1960s rather than the work of a cheeky chappy from Essex who used to be known as Wilf, but the quality of the voice and the song writing, plus the dedication to this type of music, shine through.
If you like your blues infused with a large dose of rhythm and soul, it’s time to get #OffTheFence.
- ‘Off The Fence‘ will be released on Friday (16 January). The James Hunter Six also kick off their latest tour on Friday:
