The truth will set you free. That’s been acclaimed NOLA born singer/songwriter Ben Hunter’s motto since day one.
Ben E. Hunter and Awareness Productions proudly announce the release of his new acoustic album, “The Nature of Things: Traveler Unplugged.”
Currently available on iTunes, CD Baby, Louisiana Music and Peaches Records, “The Nature of Things: Traveler Unplugged” includes 17 original songs that showcase Hunter’s deft songwriting arranging and production skills. This summer, Hunter launched a series of acoustic promotional performances the Dragon’s Den on NOLA’s eclectic Frenchman Street, a longtime hub for authentic New Orleans music.
“The Nature of Things: Traveler Unplugged” is a collaborative production between Hunter, his son, Tafari “Trackspecialist” Hunter and singer/songwriter Kelly Love Jones. The album keeps it simple, yet beautiful and poignant, with the indie artist on vocals and acoustic guitar supported by Love Jones and Cheryl N. Woods. Hunter’s trademark vocals are reminiscent of Bob Marley, Bob Dylan and Burning Spear—three of his major influences.
The album’s opening track “The Truth Will Set You Free” is an autobiographical portrait of a young man growing up in the Treme.
“Born in the middle/I was criticized/I ran away from home at age five/burned my candles on both sides/If you ain’t got proof/don’t you make up a lie/Cause the truth gonna set you free…”
In a recent interview, Hunter described his evolution from life running the streets to being transformed through reggae music and embracing the Rastafarian faith.
“I was a second grade teacher at this New Orleans Catholic elementary and had to teach religion,” said Hunter. “Although I went to Catholic schools all my grade school and high school years, we never read the Bible. So I took the time to read it fully and discovered truths that I was never taught. One noted thing was that all men and women wore locks. By then RASTA had me and that confirmed me to grow my locks 30 years in. There weren’t many people in New Orleans wearing locks, I only knew one other person and he was a loner and didn’t talk much. I first saw Bob Marley’s ‘Kaya’ album and I really made the connection. My folks weren’t happy but I always made my own statement in life and didn’t care what other people thought because of my constitution.
The eloquent “Monarch Butterfly” is a love song that embraces all things wise and wonderful in nature. Hunter wrote “Monarch Butterfly” after reading an article about the butterfly and how it migrated, and it morphed into a love song: “I will fly across the sea for your love/where eagles never soar…Love will fly away to return.” The video for “Monarch Butterfly features a modern dancer’s interpretation of the song, with Hunter singing in different locations in New Orleans.
Another highlight of “The Nature of Things: Traveler Unplugged” is the cathartic, allegorical and reggae-infused “Whipping Post” penned by Love Jones.
“Whipping Post” was inspired by a conversation between Kelly and her brother,” said Hunter. “Whipping Post” is about someone who does good for someone and that person projects onto them all the negative that someone else has done to them instead of giving it to the person that who wronged them.”
“Like to Talk” is a fun and danceable duet between Hunter and Love jones. Hunter describes the buoyant and melodic “Like to Talk” as New Orleans/Caribbean soul. “Like to Talk” has an island flavor that will surely catch on easily in markets such as New Oleans, California and Hawaii.
Other gems on “The Nature of Things: Traveler Unplugged” including “Tin Man,” “Mama Taught You” and Vertigo” were inspired by the people, music and culture of New Orleans. A Hurricane Katrina Survivor who was relocated to Los Angeles in 2005, Hunter understands more than anyone about the delicate balance of nature.
“I’ve been representing New Orleans and dedicated to reggae music for 20 years, understanding the importance (New Orleans) had influencing the music,” said Hunter. “With this international release, I am proud to be a part of this great musical legacy.”
–Diggit.
BEN HUNTER BIO
Ben Hunter’s music represents the best of New Orleans. The NOLA born singer/songwriter combines elements of jazz, folk, rock, Mardi Gras Indian chants and Caribbean rhythms to create a unique and unforgettable sound. A popular fixture on the New Orleans club circuit, which draws people from around the globe, Hunter has toured the world, from the Caribbean to Central America to South Africa, performing at large scale musical events such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica.
Hunter’s discography includes “Reality Check” (1992), “Soul Avenger: Live Intergalactic,” (1999), “Voodoo Reggae,” (2006) and the post-Katrina recording “Traveler: A Healing Album for the City of New Orleans” (2008).
In 2011, Hunter began work on his upcoming reggae album, “Delta Dub,” co-produced by Native Wayne and Brian Jobson, Neil Case, Barry O’Hare and Grammy winning punk/rock producer Tim Armstrong, known for his work with Jimmy Cliff and Rancid. “Delta Dub” scheduled for release in fall, 2014, was partially recorded at the famed Jack Ruby studios in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and at Armstrong’s studio in Los Angeles.
In fact, Hunter received praise from Scottish singer/songwriter Donovan for his Armstrong-produced Rasta/funky cover of “Sunshine Superman.”
“Linda and I are sitting back in Ireland,” said Donovan. “And I know it’s a long time to say this but we just heard your “Superman” and we love it. You didn’t know how much we love and have visited Jamaica.”
In 2011, Hunter attended the 54th annual Grammy Awards and preformed a reggae set of original music , backed by the LA based Detour Posse, at “After Grammy Jammy,” the opening night party for the New Music Seminar in Los Angeles.
In 2005, Hunter was the subject of the Sledge Hammer Films documentary “Baptized at Katrina: A Refugee Story.” In 2004, Hunter sang on the soundtrack of the film “Skeleton Key,” starring Kate Hudson. In 2010, he appeared in the first season of the award-winning HBO series “Treme.”
Hunter’s musical influences include Lee “Scratch” Perry, dub poet Mutabaruka and Curtis Mayfield. Among many things, Hunter is a survivor; overcoming struggles with poverty, violence in his community and the devastation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He has been outspoken about his ongoing struggle with epilepsy.
Hunter’s world view is perhaps best summed in his composition “Love and Grace” from his latest album “The Nature of Things: Traveler Unplugged.”
“When you things get rough, you think you can’t find your place in this race/look deep inside your soul where love abides and Jah resides. Live your life with love and grace.”
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Ben Hunter “Monarch Butterfly”
Ben Hunter-“Josephine”
La’Rixkie “Love Me as I Am” feat. Ben Hunter