{"product_id":"the-hard-way-1","title":"The Hard Way","description":"Amazon.com\n\nWhen the notoriously private Van Morrison praises a particular musician, that individual merits a closer look. Meet British R\u0026amp;B sensation James Hunter, who counts the Belfast troubadour among his biggest boosters (Morrison also appears on his 1996 debut, ...Believe What I Say). Recorded at London's Toe Rag Studios, an analogue favorite of Billy Childish and the White Stripes, The Hard Way showcases a rough and ready voice that recalls Sam Cooke and Georgie Fame after a few smokes and a tasteful, minimalist six-string approach. If Hunter eschews modernity, The Hard Way plays more like a reinvention of 1950s forms than a mere throwback. In that sense, the Colchester native performs a similar function to former touring partner Chris Isaak. His fourth platter adds New Orleans flavor thanks to famed producer\/pianist Allen Toussaint, who guests on three tracks. With no covers and no filler, The Hard Way looks set to garner Hunter a second Grammy nod--if not a first win. As Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have proven, keeping soul alive in the 2000s isn't just about getting the sound right, but about nailing that non-ironic feel, and James Hunter performs his neo-classic tunes like he means every note. --Kathleen C. Fennessy\n\nProduct Description\n\nBritish retro-soul singing sensation James Hunter returns with, the eagerly awaited follow-up CD to 2006s highly Successful grammy.-nominated album people GONNA TALK, THE HARD WAY and takes a giant step towards taking his place in the pop-soul pantheon along side Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson, Charlie Rich and Van Morrison.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: B0016OMFPM\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: DBV.B0016OMFPM.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:James Hunter\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Audio CD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Dream Books Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41564315779130,"sku":"DBV.B0016OMFPM.G","price":7.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/6011\/0138\/files\/B0016OMFPM-0.jpg?v=1785294410","url":"https:\/\/shop.dreambooksco.com\/products\/the-hard-way-1","provider":"Dream Books Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}