The last time James Hunter visited Brock University’s Centre for the Arts, he came with a guarantee.


If anyone who purchased a ticket to the British rhythm and blues singer/guitarist’s concert wasn’t completely satisfied, their money would be returned.


Not a single penny was refunded.


[*EDITOR'S NOTE: We're happy to offer the same money back guarantee again. No matter your age or taste in music, James Hunter's toe-tappin’ tunes, tight band and unparalleled showmanship is highly recommended to ANYONE!]


When Hunter returns on April 19, audience members will relive the classic '50s and '60s soul, R&B, blues and rock and roll sounds of legends such as Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and Ray Charles.


Though Hunter recorded albums and continually toured for years under the moniker Howlin' Wilf –


he got his big break when asked to join Van Morrison’s band and appeared on his albums A Night in San Francisco and Days Like This.


The Essex, U.K. native truly hit his stride several years later with his Grammy-nominated debut, People Gonna Talk. "It was an overnight success that took 20 years." Hunter said. But years of slugging it out in the music business prepared him for his break.


"For one thing, it took us that long to get any good at what we do," he said. "Another factor is that the band and I pretty much grew up together, and our affinity with each other directly influences how we play. We’ve long since had all our fights (all of which I won, by the simple expedient of naming the band after myself, theoretically making myself irreplaceable) and we’ve mellowed a bit over the years.


"He energized me! I was dragging myself to the show, but by the time I left I was dancing to the car. Best show this year out of all we've seen!" (Karen Wosinski, CFTA patron)


Thursday, April 19, 2012 James Hunter


"Whether our new found social skills are as effective in our dealings with people outside the band is debatable," he jokingly adds.


Hunter was nominated for best new/emerging artist at the annual Americana Music Awards, released his follow up disc, entitled The Hard Way, in 2008, and he’ll be recording his new album in June.


"The subject matter of the songs will be a bit broader," he said, of his new work. "There’s one about a malignant fortune teller and another extolling the virtues of cowardice. We’re going for a sound that puts the boot in a bit more than the last two albums (to) get it more dance-ified.


And yes, we will definitely play some of them at Brock."


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centrestage - SPRING 2012


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