THE JAMES HUNTER SIX ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ‘OFF THE FENCE’ TO BE RELEASED JANUARY 16TH VIA EASY EYE SOUND
UK AND EU TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2026
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE ON SALE FROM SEPTEMBER 30TH
LISTEN TO NEW SINGLE ‘A SURE THING’ HERE:
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM
Hot on the heels of the announcement of their brand new album ‘Off The Fence’, set for release January 16th via Easy Eye Sound, the GRAMMY-nominated James Hunter Six have revealed their touring plans for 2026 and will hit stages in the UK and EU in January and February. Tickets go on sale this coming Tuesday September 30th and this highly-anticipated tour is a real ‘full circle’ moment for the timeless rhythm and soul singer, as within the first few gigs, the band play Hunter’s home town of Colchester, his current home in Brighton and also London, where he has spent most of his life.
“Hello folks, hope yer well. James H here, with a bit of news you might like. We’re launching our new album “Off The Fence” with a few UK dates including (in a row) Brighton, London, and Colchester, so it’ll be like coming home three times. Hope to see yez all there, can’t wait! Love, JH xx”
‘Off The Fence’ is a landmark album for James Hunter himself for a number of different reasons. In many ways it represents his past, his present and his future. He has been a legendary fixture in the scene for over three decades with his gritty voice and sharp songwriting earning him acclaim around the world. This new record features a rare duet with longtime collaborator Van Morrison (‘Ain’t That A Trip’), marking a full-circle moment for the artist hailed by MOJO magazine as “The United Kingdom’s Greatest Soul Singer.”
Featuring twelve self-penned gems, each song is delivered with Hunter’s customary blend of smooth vocal control coupled with heart-worn grit and wit. A few days back the music world got the chance to hear the first single cut from the album with the infectious, twin-horned roll of ‘A Sure Thing‘. As the summer weeks come to an end, ‘A Sure Thing’ is the perfect antidote to put a feel-good spring back in your step, shimmering with Northern Soul vibes and Hunter’s renowned lyrical word play.
Listen to ‘A Sure Thing’ HERE.
On the most basic level, the album marks 40 years since the British soul singer made his recording debut with the release of his first album back in ’86. Hunter’s own musical journey started 66 miles from London in Colchester, Essex, where he was born in 1962. His life-changing moment came at the age of nine when his grandmother handed him her Dansette record player and a collection of old 78s. Included in that pile of shellac was a copy of Jackie Wilson’s 1958 hook-filled hit, ‘Reet Petite’ – a tune that musically helped transform R&B into soul. It proved equally as transformational as far as young James was concerned, providing him with a gateway to a whole new musical world that seemed a million miles away from 70s Winter of Discontent Essex.
His eleventh studio album, ‘Off The Fence’ is the perfect amalgam of everything that is great about James Hunter’s songwriting, delivery and outlook. It also marks a fresh start. His first release on Dan Auerbach’s (The Black Keys) Easy Eye Sound label, 2026 is going to be a big year for Hunter, striking the world with music that matters. Get ready to ride with The James Hunter Six.
Catch The James Hunter Six at the following dates in 2026:
Tickets go on sale Tuesday September 30TH and will be available HERE:
Fri 16 Jan 2026 – Thekla, Bristol
Sat 17 Jan 2026 – Concorde 2, Brighton
Mon 19 Jan 2026 – January Blues Festival at 229, London
Tue 20 Jan 2026 – Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester
Wed 28 Jan 2026 – The Cluny, Newcastle
Thu 29 Jan 2026 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Fri 30 Jan 2026 – Storey’s Field Centre, Cambridge
Sat 31 Jan 2026 – Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul All Dayer at The Crossing, Birmingham
February EU dates:
Sat 07 Feb 2026 – New Morning, Paris, France
Mon 09 Feb 2026 – Paradiso Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tue 10 Feb 2026 – Knust, Hamburg, Germany
Wed 11 Feb 2026 – Hole44, Berlin, Germany
Find The James Hunter Six online at:
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