The reaction of the audience and this critic were pretty much the same at the Minnesota Zoo on Thursday night: James Hunter, a relative newcomer in the States, was more impressive than Irma Thomas, the New Orleans soul legend.

British singer-guitarist Hunter turned on the charm with his facile between-song humor and his retro blues/R&B sound that echoed Sam Cooke, James Brown, Ray Charles and Van Morrison. Highlights: The “5″ Royales’ “Baby Don’t Do It,” with all kinds of drama and JB-like screams, and “Believe Me Baby,” a Ray Charles cop with a New Orleans vibe. Good show. Hunter will be back at the Zoo on Aug. 13, opening for Chris Isaak.

As for Thomas’ headline set, it had a lazy New Orleans feel. There wasn’t much verve to her performance, and she hardly broke a sweat. After nearly every song, a handful of concertgoers got up and left. As one woman who stayed for the entire set put it: “I wanted to see more legend.”

There were definitely some rewarding moments, including a sassy “Time Is on My Side,” “Loving Arms” (with some soulful call and response between Irma’s voice and the B3 organ), the spirited “Breakaway” and the festive New Orleans party finale “Sing It.”

What did you think of the show? Please post your comments here:

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