Robert J. Hunter – Songs for the Weary
From out of nowhere comes Robert J. Hunter, as this is the first I’ve heard of him, but it won’t be the last. And what a fresh sound he brings in a time begging for it. Robert J Hunter is a blues singer-songwriter that signed to the Spectra label in 2013. This album, titled “Songs for the Weary” is Hunter’s debut full length work and will be released in February. The single off of this album, “Demons” has already been put onto iTunes, where it has reached number one on the UK iTunes blues chart. Hunter is a native of Alderney, which is a very small island in the English Channel. Since the success of his music, Hunter is now based in London where you can bet they have heard of him where he plays regularly in the UK. The disc starts off with arguably its most rocking number (especially in the guitar department), with the excellent Turning, to get things underway. But the nest track is definitely one of the highest points on offer, being the title track itself Demons, which he belts out of his soul in epic fashion. This is so great you can’t wrap your mind around it in just one listen, it’s that pure. The rest if gravy from this point on, but there are titles to note along the way, such as the wonderful shuffle in the shape of Sleepless, which just cruises along nicely in its marvelous tone, with a killer harp track over the top of it. There is awesome playing indeed and as well on Hurricane and Truce. This isn’t some copycat here this is a truly gifted original who just wears his influences on his sleeve. If only there were more like Hunter, as he brings back a lost art form for blues lovers and easy listening jazz lovers alike to really sink their ears into. This is one of those special talents that you don’t come across every day because they aren’t of the dime a dozen variety because they’re a rare breed and he is of their ilk.
SP Clarke
Score: 10/10