James Hunter Six Announce Off The Fence – A Landmark New Album on Easy Eye Sound

The James Hunter Six are back with their first release on Easy Eye Sound, and it’s one that captures everything fans have come to love about the British rhythm & soul legend. Set for release on January 16, 2026, Off The Fence is a landmark record—bridging James Hunter’s past, present, and future while reaffirming his status as one of the most distinctive voices in modern soul.

For over three decades, GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist James Hunter has been hailed for his gritty yet smooth voice, sharp lyrical wit, and timeless songwriting. MOJO magazine once called him “The United Kingdom’s Greatest Soul Singer,” and with this new record, he continues to prove why.

Perhaps the most talked-about moment on Off The Fence is “Ain’t That A Trip,” a joyous, jump-blues duet with longtime collaborator Van Morrison. The pair first worked together in the mid-’90s, with Hunter appearing on Morrison’s A Night In San Francisco (1994) and Days Like This (1995), while Morrison guested on Hunter’s 1996 album Believe What I Say. Now, nearly 30 years later, their creative bond comes full circle.

“I tried to get Van to sing one of my songs 30 years ago, but I hadn’t really written anything he fancied at the time,” recalls James. “But we were having a chin wag backstage at a gig where we were opening, and I asked him if he wanted to sing something on our next record and he said yes. Hearing him actually singing words I wrote gave me a real kick. It’s brilliant.”

Ahead of the album’s release, fans can stream the first single “A Sure Thing,” a horn-driven Northern Soul gem that shimmers with infectious energy and Hunter’s trademark wordplay.

“I thought the title was a nice phrase and, musically, I was trying to get a bit of Northern Soul in there—which is where we’re trying to appeal to people’s feet,” James explains. “But lyrically, it’s just a different way of reflecting on somebody saying that they want to play things safe.”

With its rolling groove, punchy brass, and irresistible chorus, the track offers a perfect late-summer pick-me-up.

James Hunter Six has always been about chemistry. Alongside Hunter, the group includes Myles Weeks (double bass), Rudy Albin Petschauer (drums), Andrew Kingslow (keyboards, percussion), Michael Buckley (baritone saxophone), and Drew Vanderwinckel (tenor saxophone). Together, they deliver a seamless blend of soul, R&B, and jump blues, built on years of near-telepathic interplay.

Off The Fence also marks an important milestone: it’s been 40 years since James Hunter’s first album release back in 1986. Born in Colchester, Essex, Hunter’s lifelong journey began at age nine when his grandmother gifted him a Dansette record player and a stack of 78s—including Jackie Wilson’s 1958 classic “Reet Petite.” That spark set him on a course toward becoming one of the UK’s most respected soul voices.

Now, eleven studio albums later, Hunter shows no signs of slowing down. Off The Fence represents not only the culmination of decades of dedication but also a bold new chapter as his first release on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound (The Black Keys).

With 12 original tracks, heartfelt grit, and soul-deep delivery, Off The Fence is set to become a defining release in 2026.

Off The Fence Tracklist

1. Two Birds With One Stone

2. Let Me Out Of This Love

3. Gun Shy

4. Believe It When I See It

5. Here And Now

6. Off The Fence

7. Ain’t That A Trip (feat. Van Morrison)

8. One For Ripley

9. Trouble Comes Calling

10. Particular

11. A Sure Thing

12. Only A Fool

James Hunter will celebrate the release with a 2026 tour – stay tuned for dates.