Charlie Hunter’s approach is like few other guitarists in jazz: a colorful sound that blends bass notes with standard chords via his custom-made, eight-string Novax guitar. Local lovers of fine music (and guitar nerds) will be able to experience the virtuoso’s unique art in person when he performs at the Falcon next week.
Born in San Francisco in 1968, Hunter was initially inspired by guitar stylists Joe Pass and Tuck Andress. With album and tune titles that often bring a dose of humor to a medium some perceive as being overly serious—among my favorites are 2010’s Gentlemen, I Neglected to Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid and last year’s Everybody Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth—Hunter’s music effortlessly blends bop, fusion, funk, reggae, soul, and other genres. His many collaborators include singers Norah Jones, Mos Def, and Kurt Elling; DJ Logic; Arrested Development guitarist Dionne Farris; and, perhaps most frequently, Hudson-area drummer Bobby Previte.
This video captures Hunter, Previte, trombonist Curtis Fowlkes, and trumpeter Kirk Knuffke recording at Future Past Studio in Hudson during the Everybody Has a Plan… sessions:
Charlie Hunter will perform at the Falcon in Marlboro, New York, on March 10 at 7pm. Donation suggested. For more information, call (845) 236-7970 or visit http://www.liveatthefalcon.com/.
