JAMES HUNTER
Kick It Around (Ruf Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Kick It Around is great throwback to the soul of the Stax/Volt era of the 1960's. James Hunter's second solo disc features a dozen cuts that're sure to warm the hearts of traditional R & B and soul fans. Think Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, or the Staple Singers. He wrote ten of the tunes on Kick It Around, and he's updated the old school sound quite nicely. Hunter has brought back the the crooning, finger-snapping soul style in his cover of "Lover's Question" and his original "Better Luck Next Time." Producer Box Boorer has captured the feel and sound of Hunter's musical inspiration, complete with echo and that indefinable 'something' that made the sound of 50's and 60's soul so memorable.

Track List:

Kick It Around * Because You're Mine * Mollena * It's Easy to Say * Lover's Question * Better Luck Next Time * Strange But True * Dearest * Believe Me Baby * Lover's Prayer * Night Bus * Tell Her For Me

© 2001 - Eric Steiner