Collectors' Choice Music

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Two Can Play

Way Down Inside

Very Thought of You, The

It Ain't Funny

Turn on Your Love Light

Let Me Know

I'll Walk Away

I Wanna Get Old with You

Hallelujah, I Love Her So

Believe What I Say

Out of Sight

Don't Step on It

Hear Me Calling

Ain't Nothing You Can Do

Title: ...Believe What I Say [Hepcat]
Artist: James Hunter (Rock)

Personnel includes: James Hunter, Van Morrison (vocals).
Personnel: James Hunter (vocals, guitar); James Hunter ; Damian Hand (tenor saxophone); Nick Lunt (baritone saxophone); Dave Priseman (trumpet); Alex Lewis (piano, Wurlitzer organ); Jonathan Lee (drums, percussion); Doris Troy (background vocals); Van Morrison (vocals).
Recording information: Protocol Studios, London, England.
The singer/songwriter James Hunter introduced his retro blue-eyed soul approach with this 1996 debut. The smooth Sam Cooke/Clyde McPhatter-influenced vocals weren't quite as confident at his career's start, but for the most part, those smitten by People Gonna Talk will find this a terrific addition to their small Hunter collections. To his credit, Van Morrison was an early supporter, and he appears here on two Bobby "Blue" Bland covers. Morrison had already covered "Ain't Nothing You Can Do" on his live It's Too Late to Stop Now release, so it's likely he brought that to Hunter's attention. "Turn on Your Lovelight" sounds like it could have come off Morrison's His Band and the Street Choir, as he trades verses and harmonizes with Hunter in a spirited performance. Hunter's vocals emphasize Ray Charles more on this album, and not just on the cover of "Hallelujah I Love Her So." The original "Let Me Know" is fashioned from Charles' soul-blues-gospel, right down to the Raelettes-styled backing vocals. Damian Hand and Nick Lunt's sax section is integral to the snappy groove, and bringing the great soul woman Doris Troy along for a duet on "Hear Me Calling" is another classy move. But it's Hunter's terrific voice, sparse yet jazzy guitar, and excellent original songs that make this album so fresh, crisp, and hip. ~ Hal Horowitz
Shortly after James Hunter's 2006 album People Gonna Talk made a moderate but noteworthy splash in the States, the indie Hep Cat label reissued Hunter's first album for American consumption. Thankfully, this is no dredging up of a musty, best left forgotten release, as the singer/songwriter/guitarist's 1996 debut is almost as enticing as People Gonna Talk. Little has changed in Hunter's retro blue-eyed soul approach a decade into his career. The smooth Sam Cooke/Clyde McPhatter-influenced vocals weren't quite as confident at his career's start and his timing has now definitely improved, but for the most part, those smitten by People Gonna Talk will find this a terrific addition to their small Hunter collections. To his credit, Van Morrison was an early supporter, and he appears here on two Bobby "Blue" Bland covers. Morrison had already covered "Ain't Nothing You Can Do" on his live It's Too Late to Stop Now release, so it's likely he brought that to Hunter's attention. "Turn on Your Lovelight" sounds like it could have come off Morrison's His Band and the Street Choir, as he trades verses and harmonizes with Hunter in a spirited performance. Hunter's vocals emphasize Ray Charles more on this album, and not just on the cover of "Hallelujah I Love Her So." The original "Let Me Know" is fashioned from Charles' soul-blues-gospel, right down to the Raelettes-styled backing vocals. Damian Hand and Nick Lunt's sax section is integral to the snappy groove, and bringing the great soul woman Doris Troy along for a duet on "Hear Me Calling" is another classy move. But it's Hunter's terrific voice, sparse yet jazzy guitar, and excellent original songs that make this album so enjoyable. Even ten years after it was recorded, ...Believe What I Say sounds fresh, crisp, and hip. [Hepcat reissued the CD in 2006.] ~ Hal Horowitz