James Hunter to perform at the Coach House on March 25

James Hunter will perform at The Coach House on March 25, 2009.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS RAMIREZ

If you haven't heard of singer-songwriter James Hunter, you have now.

And plan on hearing plenty more about the singer-songwriter in the years ahead.
Songs such as "Don't Do Me No Favours," "The Hard Way" and "Carina" explode out of the speakers, recalling greats such as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Bobby "Blue" Bland.
Hunter spent two decades playing under the commercial radar, typically appearing in small venues in his native England, looking for an audience.
With the release of his album "People Gonna Talk" in March 2006, the world has opened its ears to Hunter's infectious retro-minded style of soulful blues. "People Gonna Talk" was nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. His artistry drew additional attention with the release of his 2008 disc, "The Hard Way."

The past three years, Hunter and his band have performed on bills with the likes of Los Lonely Boys, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison and Boz Scaggs.
Blending New Orleans R&B, Philadelphia soul and old time rock 'n' roll against a backdrop of Motown-flavored horn blasts, Hunter's authentic approach outdistances fellow British soul seekers Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone and Corinne Bailey Rae. And the fact that Hunter can tear it up on guitar is sonic icing on the musical cake.

Hunter has gone from an opening act to a headliner, and he will perform next Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. Orange County singer-songwriter-guitarist Michael Ubaldini will open the show. Singer-songwriter Ryan Shaw will also appear on the bill.