JAS Café - The James Hunter Six

Experience intimate performances at the JAS Café, showcasing jazz, blues, soul, gospel, New Orleans, and world music. Enjoy late-night shows exploring jazz’s evolution and global influences.

Hunter’s musical journey began in Colchester, Essex, sparked at age nine by a Jackie Wilson record that introduced him to soul music. Influenced by artists such as Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, he developed a style defined by groove, phrasing, and understated wit. His early recordings with Howlin’ Wilf And The Veejays revealed a sound that was already fully formed.

Despite industry challenges, including struggles to secure a record deal, Hunter’s breakthrough came with People Gonna Talk, which earned a Grammy nomination and topped the Billboard Blues Chart. His career has since expanded internationally, performing alongside artists such as Aretha Franklin and Willie Nelson.

With Off the Fence, his eleventh studio album, Hunter continues to blend soulful vocals, sharp songwriting, and rhythmic precision. The record reflects his enduring commitment to groove, storytelling, and the emotional depth that defines his work.