One of the phrases…
used to describe the classical guitar of James Russell Hunley is “the voice of love”.
Romance is instantaneous when he applies his technical agility to the captivating passages of the masterworks he performs. Such is the essence of the classical guitar, which may well be the most introspective of all musical instruments. It is what first attracted Mr. Hunley to the guitar, and what compels him today.
Classical guitar has dominated James Hunley's life since he was thirteen years old. Born in Chandler, Arizona to a U.S. air force fighter-test pilot and a real-estate broker, he is the only professional musician in a family of five children. As a teenager, he was obsessed with the guitar. He would begin practice at 4 a.m. and continue practicing after school into the evening. Much to the objections of his parents, he even ate dinner at his music stand.
While his family was living in San Angelo, Texas, the young Mr. Hunley performed in local restaurants.Several patrons took note of his performance. One such patron, the Hal Noelke family, was so taken by his playing that they offered to sponsor his future studies. He chose to study at the San Francisco conservatory of music. At the conservatory, he gained a solid foundation in music and the technical skills with which he could continue to explore the historic techniques of the classical guitar masters. Over the years, he has woven those techniques into an individual style and interpretation.
A strong affirmation of Mr. Hunley’s muscianship came many years ago from California luthier, John Gilbert, whose guitars are among the most sought after in the world. The list of requests for purchasing A Gilbert guitar would take over 23 years to fill, but Mr. Hunley's playing for John secured him the opportunity to purchase a guitar after only one year on the waiting list.
After living in Los Angeles for many years, Mr. Hunley has recently relocated to Central Florida, dividing his time between performing, television /recording production, and the creation of a new teaching studio in his current location. He has hosted 3 seasons ofthe U.S. television shows that both instruct and communicate the internal dialogue of acoustic music. His C.D. has been heard throughout the North American Continent. His music video from Lasting Impressions of “La Catedral” has been broadcast on, PBS, A&E and The Arts Channel in the U.S. It has been viewed internationally on Arts from satellite, Galaxy One. His second solo C.D., is now in its second pressing.
In regard to his live performances, music critic Robert Masulla called his playing “beautifully phrased, amazingly subtle and incredibly sure." However, James believes that the emotional response is the most important feedback for him as an artist: “(there is) nothing greater in life than to touch someone's soul through your music.”An advocate for de-mystifying classical music, James believes in using film and video to visually communicate the internal dialogue of music. He has served as executive producer on many classical music videos, including Pepe Romero's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" for Phillips records.
Mr. Hunley's interests and skills are eclectic. His leisure time is spent reading and studying, or at the opposite end of the energy spectrum, running, exercising, scuba diving and deep water snorkeling - preferably in warm water!
James Hunley has performed all across the US, South Pacific, Mexico, and Western Europe. He maintains two full recitals in memory and the “Concierto de Aranjuez” by Rodrigo.