It’s sometimes eerie how British artists manage to take American art forms and make them their own – whether it’s Led Zeppelin’s straight-up thieving of various African-American bluesmen (Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, etc.) or new Daptone artist James Hunter’s sublime channeling of Sam Cooke. The Essex native launched his London career as leader of Howlin’ Wilf (they really don’t even try to hide the “borrowing,” do they?) & the Vee-Jays, but his days of playing tiny clubs leveled up in 1996, when Van Morrison, impressed by what the New York Times has since called his “slithery groove” and “sweet growl,” sang on Hunter’s first solo album. After a 2006 Grammy nom and years of recording for various labels (Ruf, Rounder, Concord), Hunter added his ultra-tight backing band to the official moniker, and the newly dubbed James Hunter Six signed to Brooklyn’s Daptone Records last year. Current release Hold On! is a blue-eyed throwback party record that’ll have you feeling like you’ve time-traveled to the groovy ’60s (it’s even recorded in mono!); this is sure to be one show at the Plaza where you’ll be up on your feet.
with Shemekia Copeland | 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 | Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave. | 407-228-1220 |
plazaliveorlando.com | $24.50-$39.50
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