I Am Dust Blown Away

Who is this soulful cat Van Hunt?

Capitol Records gets a big fat "F" on promotions. I'm barely hearing Van Hunt on the radio here on the east coast. Wake up urban radio stations! BET -- where are y'all at?

I didn't know this 26-year-old soul-music phenom was coming out with a CD until I visited the brotherlove's weblog. Based on the brotherlove's effusive praise, I went out and purchased the CD. And after several listens, I have to say that Van Hunt's self-titled debut is a beautiful collection of eclectic soul.

The brotherlove did a phenomenal job reviewing Van's 12-track soulful debut. In a nutshell, the brotherlove describes Van Hunt's impressive collection like this:

The 12 tracks on Van Hunt consist of soul-based yearnings and observations, smoldering with muted falsettos, deep basslines and catchy keyboarding in a gumbo of jazzy R&B and funk, with a dash of psychadelica. It's tempting to compare his release to offerings by Andre 3000 and Raphael Saadiq however, Van Hunt's consistency and musicianship deserves accolades of its own. Evident throughout the songs are traces of his impressive, earlier work with Dionne Farris, Cree Summer, Joi and Rahsaan Patterson.
A must-have for soul-lovers exhausted by radio formulary and definitely one of the best releases of 2004 so far.

-- Word, it gets a thumbs up from me, as well.

My favorite joints:: "Dust"; "What Can I Say"; "Precious"; "Hold My Hand"; "Out of the Sky"

Here's an interesting tidbit: Van Hunt is being managed by Randy Jackson -- the svelte-y cool judge on Fox's American Idol. And R&B piano songbird Alicia Keys sang his praises last year, calling him "an incredible musican."

Now only if urban radio and video outlets starts spinning his songs and new video (for "Dust") -- then everything would be gravy.

In the meantime . . . enjoy the soulful ride!

Van Hunt's CD Track Listing/Music

Holla!

Comments

[Jason]

KCRW out here in L.A. has been rocking "Dust" for the past 2 months kind of non-stop and that track, and the rest of the album, are just ridiculous.

American Idol's Randy Jackson gets props for setting Van Hunt's ship right on the musical tip.

Dust could play Urban Radio right? I think so.

[cos]

HEY! he looks like one of my ex boyfriends! *rofl* okay, since i'ma have extra pennies in the pocket, i'ma take you at your word and go cop some grown & sexy music. i mean damn, a chick can't listen to g-unit ALL the time :-x

[ej]

You're right on the money, homes, with Van Hunt. I played it on the way to NYC, all the way back, and everywhere in between. I'm hooked.

[Constance]

This is one of those rare albums that is great start to finish. I tingle when I hear it.It is ear candy.Capitol is not doing a good job of promoting it.

[gwen]

See what's on BET these days?
Is Van Hunt about any of that?
No?
There's your answer.
What people need to do is blow up their local radio stations request lines talking about Van Hunt and why that station isn't playing any of his stuff.

By the way...
KCRW was one reason I cried when I moved to Las Vegas.
KCRW was the reason I upgraded my computer as soon as I could so I could listen online.
KCRW was the first place I heard Jill Scott.

[Anna]

I've been blasting "dust" for nearly a month now! HIs album is such feel good music...I mean...Dance in your underwear in a mirror, singing into a brush kinda funk! I love it. I'm angry with whoever his PR person is. I'm studying communications myself @ VCU, and I realize he definately needs some exposure on this. He's too talented to be kept in the dark with a few of faithful fans!

P.S. He definately needs to get to VA so I can see him!

[Randi]

Refreshing to hear such soulful music that is REAL! I am blessed to have come across this!!! Fire R. Jackson....he has a true musician on his hands and is doing him NO justice!

[Charice]

Said it before saying it again....

Words cannot explain how Van Hunt has reassured me that real, soul-filled music still exist. His songs are not performed as though he is singing for the sake of singing...but because this is the story he wants to tell the world. He is a true artist and an inspiration for myself. His intonation seems so natural (unforced) and (yet again) ridden with true soul. His voice along with his music brings warmth and color to what has become a black and white world of music.

I saw him last night in Detroit (a great city, get hip, its too real for some) with Angie Stone and his performance was great. He has an awesome guitar and bass player. This is not for those who do not like real music.

My favorite songs on his album are:
"Out of the Sky"-that comes straight from him...you can hear that
"What Can I Say" - words cannot express my respect for this song...the lyrics are amazing...deserve to be taught in college English classes
well damn...the whole album was tight, something that I have not been able to say about any new artist in years

i wish him mad luck

[Michelle]

Best musician to come out in my lifetime, by far. Not only is he beautiful, but surpasses all the bullshit on the radio and tv these days. an album full of substance- "what can i say" i am BLOWN AWAY by that track. ive never heard a song so beautiful. waitin 4 him to tour round boston, but if he dont, i will travel. hes dope.

[Kazi]

People are still discovering dude...just saw him play a PACKED house at a cool spot in LA and EVERYONE was singing along to his music...there is hope the rest of the world will wake up to Van. Dust and Hello Goodbye and What Can I Say are my favorites...at least for today...next week it'll be all about Precious and Seconds :-) I put up a url link for this other band Four19 I saw at the same place I saw Van. Peeps need to check for them too and buy their record. They're not on a major like Van yet--but they will be. Their stuff's hot like that.

[Krys]

Van Hunt is so fine..but his music is sexy as hell!! LOL His song "Dust" and "Seconds of Pleasure" are two of the most sexiest songs I've ever heard....wink wink...I makes me dream of "Seconds of Pleasure".

[rochelle]

van hunt to put it in the only way i can posibley say I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUU.