Charlie Hunter learned how to play guitar from Joe Satriani. Satriani is a guitar great, playing for rock legends Deep Purple along with various other groups (he also taught Steve Vai, another guitar master). Charlie Hunter, however, went the jazz route. His claim to fame is his trio, the Charlie Hunter Trio. He has released 32 albums and each one of them has something spectacular and different to offer. On his fourth release, Natty Dread, and this time with his quartet, he does an excellent variation of Bob Marley's No Woman, No Cry. He and his band mirror the same rebellious and nostalgic feel asserted by Marley, and his guitar cries beautifully as it's peppered with delay and the lightest bit of flange. You can listen to it here.
My favorite Charlie Hunter album is Ready... Set... Shango! Again with his quartet, he pumped out this nine track album in 1996. The first two tracks are excellent. Ashby Man is a groovy tune with upbeat drums, breathy and flashy horns, and technical guitar. Hunter establishes a ridiculously catchy melody that is rooted in both a lead arrangement and some triads. He solos fluidly in the open spaces. Check out Ashby Man here (same song, just released on a different album). The second track is named Teabaggin'. Rather risque, I know. The track also sports an awesome groove, but it's a little less subdued than Ashby Man. I've scanned the interwebz for the track, but I can't find it. You might have to delve into iTunes for this one.
Best, Jonathan
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