Greg Hester
St. Simons Island’s very own soul man, Greg Hester, is a man of passion. He lives and breathes his music. At local venues, as well as in Athens and Atlanta, he is loved for his ability to span genres and to sound more like Van Morrison than Van himself. In 2009, Greg’s album Hustlers, Killers and Thieves, featuring members of the James Brown Band was released by Ropeadope Records to excellent reviews. In late 2011 he released, American Story, a compilation of his original songs as well as a few covers recorded over the past decade in Nashville. Listening to the emotion in the tracks, it’s not hard to understand why Greg was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.
The album Greg really wants everyone to hear, however, is his long-term project, Soul Brother Where Art Thou, a tribute to James Brown that he began in 2007. The James Brown Band is backing the tracks on this special duets album dedicated to the Godfather of Soul featuring guest artists that include John Popper (of Blues Traveler fame), Shana Morrison (Van’s daughter), Ivan Neville, Col. Bruce Hampton, Jimmy Hall, Chris Unck, Ivan Neville, Raul Malo, and another talented musician with Saint Simons Island in her blood: Caroline Aiken. Greg is hoping to have the funding he needs to release the tribute album by the end of the year.
Whether funky and soulful or crooning words as sweet as Tupelo honey, the voice of Greg Hester is one that resonates. You can follow Greg on Facebook or visit greghester.bandcamp.com. His songs are also available on iTunes.
***UPDATE*** March 17, 2015 marks the long-awaited release date of Soul Brother Where Art Thou! The new twist on the James Brown inspired tunes are fantastic. Greg and his fellow musicians have outdone themselves. You can preview or buy the CD here or on iTunes. Greg will be back on St. Simons Island in April to promote the album and celebrate its release, and we'll keep you updated about where you can hear him while he's in town in the I'm With the Band blog. Of course, he says that when he's in town, that should be "I'm With The Man." You got it, Soul Man. Looking forward to seeing you perform the "new" songs live!
