James Hampton

**** (4/5 stars)

IT's almost impossible to believe this debut album was penned, arranged and performed by local Melbourne musician James Hampton.

Harder still to believe is the fact that he has not been spotted earlier, for this 10-track debut takes the listener through a fantastic musical journey of jazz, funk, pop and soul, gloriously stamped with an amazing, careless, yet intelligent sound, that can only be described as James Hampton.

Comparisons can be made, and they will _ hints of Harry Connick Jr, Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, Elton John and Ben Folds can at varying times be heard across any number of tracks _ but Hampton's croon retains the freshness of youth that is his and his alone.

After a spoken opening track, the young Box Hill Tafe music graduate kicks in with the big-band styled All My Money's Gone, setting a fast paced, feel-good vibe. But he also breaks the components of the big band for some small-unit-features, that showcase his impressive piano ability.

Light hearted tales are intertwined with deeper heartfelt ballads, 'Just Be Julia' sings with young lovers angst while 'When Tomorrow Comes' is comparable to Brian Wilson's timeless classic 'I Just Wasn't Made for These Times' in its themes of self-doubt and adolescent insecurity.

Hampton says he is working on his next album, which is exciting because there is no reason he shouldn't explode. For now, it is a young man playing from the heart , with his upbringing and his roots deeply entrenched through the album. If you want something a little different, get it.


Shannon Deery
Sun Herald Sunday
25th Jan 2009
- Sunday Herald Sun Melbourne