The winning streak continues for The James Hunter Six and Daptone Records as Nick of Time is yet another fantastic slice of grooving retro soul. Hunter and producer Bosco Mann merge their Northern English style with classic American R&B over thirteen pristine sounding tracks that lovingly recalls past greats of the genre.
Opener “I Can Change Your Mind” announces its intentions from the start as shakers and soul shout outs color the upbeat track pairing nicely with the shimmying title effort which brings to mind Sam Cooke at his peak. “Till I Hear It From You” uses a Dave Brubeck “Take Five” inspired pacing along with horns and a melodic harmonica solo while “Can’t Help Myself” waltzes around the room with heartbreak and some funny lyrics about our future planet of the apes and the protagonists’ hopeless chances for love.
The tempo is slowed down for the smooth rhumba lines in “Who’s Foolin’ Who” and “Never” which showcases excellent vocals from Hunter who uses his almost out of breath croon perfectly around smooth doo-wop inspired backing. The slow tight acoustic blues of “Paradise For One” also display his way of twisting a phrase and singing a line delicately while affectionately describing loneliness and relationships woes.
The whole album breezes by with tight musicianship, perfect production and engaged vocals yet a few tracks rise up and demand to be noticed. The love is war metaphorical “Missing In Action” expertly uses its slow grooving organ before the rollicking “Ain’t Goin’ Up In One Of Those” pumps up the horns and snaking guitars in a Ray Charles manner.
Wrapping up with the bass and drum lead “He’s Your Could Have Been” The James Hunters Six seems to have no limits to their crisp retro R&B love, shimmying and shaking out into the night. Nothing new here, just Hunter and company wearing their love for rocking soul music on their sleeve as they dive through the thirteen tracks on Nick of Time with vigor, affection and professionalism.
