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Charlie Hunter
Charlie Hunter
Charlie Hunter
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Key Information

Charlie Hunter (born May 23, 1967) is an American guitarist, composer, producer and bandleader. First coming to prominence in the early 1990s, Hunter plays custom-made seven- and eight-string guitars on which he simultaneously plays bass lines, chords, and melodies. Critic Sean Westergaard described Hunter's technique as "mind-boggling...he's an agile improviser with an ear for great tone, and always has excellent players alongside him in order to make great music, not to show off."[1] Hunter's technique is rooted in the styles of jazz guitarists Joe Pass and Tuck Andress, two of his biggest influences, who blended bass notes with melody in a way that created the illusion of two guitars.[2]

Biography

[edit]
Charlie Hunter performs at the Bennett Alliance Music Fest in Rochester, New York (July 21, 2007)

Charlie Hunter's affinity for guitars was cultivated from a young age, largely due to his mother's profession as a guitar repairer.[3] He and his mother and sister lived for several years on a commune in Mendocino County, California, then settled in Berkeley. Hunter attended Berkeley High School and took lessons from rock guitarist Joe Satriani. At eighteen he moved to Paris.[3] He has stated that busking in Paris gave him on the job training.[4] Returning to San Francisco, he played seven-string guitar in Michael Franti's political rap group, The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. In 1992, they were one of the opening acts for U2's Zoo TV Tour.

For his self-titled 1993 debut album, Charlie Hunter Trio (PrawnSong 1993), Hunter played a seven-string guitar for the duality effect, locking down the bottom with drummer Jay Lane and mixing melodically with saxophonist Dave Ellis (saxophonist). But on his trio’s 1995 sophomore release, Bing, Bing, Bing! (Blue Note, 1995), he unveiled his custom-made Novax eight-string guitar. Designed by Ralph Novak, the instrument featured fanned frets and separate pickups for its guitar and bass portions. Picking bass notes with his right thumb while fretting them with his left index finger (while at the same time fingerpicking guitar chords and single notes with his right hand’s remaining four digits as he frets with his left hand’s other three fingers), Hunter achieves the real sound of two-for-one.

Hunter played with the side group T.J. Kirk in the mid-’90s, a band that derived their name from the cover material they exclusively played: Thelonious Monk, James Brown, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. T.J. Kirk released a self-titled 1995 debut and their 1996 follow-up, If Four Was One received a GRAMMY nomination. Hunter’s next project was an instrumental remake of Bob Marley’s Natty Dread album in its entirety. Also featuring saxophonists Kenny Brooks and Calder Spanier, the 1997 release beat the odds by becoming arguably Hunter’s best album. Teaming with vibraphonist Stefon Harris and percussionist John Santos, Charlie Hunter & Pound for Pound released Return of the Candyman (Blue Note 1998). A departure from Natty Dread, mainly due to the work of Harris, the disc featured a vibes-heavy cover of Steve Miller’s “Fly Like an Eagle.”

He performed on three songs on D'Angelo's album Voodoo (2000), including "The Root".[5] He has stated that the session for the song was the most challenging session he has worked on.[5]

In between tours he recorded a 1999 duo album with drummer/percussionist Leon Parker and a self-titled 2000 album that featured Parker and an otherwise ensemble cast. Hunter also contributed greatly to the 2000 comeback album by drummer Mike Clark (drummer), Actual Proof. Hunter concluded his run at Blue Note with 2001’s Songs from the Analog Playground, which saw him collaborating with vocalists for the first time, ranging from labelmates Norah Jones and Kurt Elling to Mos Def. 2003 found Hunter with a new label (Ropeadope) and two new bands (the Charlie Hunter Quintet) on Right Now Move, and the beginning of Groundtruther, a partnership with percussionist/composer Bobby Previte. They released Come in Red Dog, This Is Tango Leader before adopting the Groundtruther moniker. In 2003 he released Friends Seen and Unseen, with drummer Derrek Phillips and saxman John Ellis (saxophonist), both members of the Quintet. By now, Groundtruther had taken on a life of its own, with Hunter and Previte joined by a rotating third member. Latitude was first, in 2004 with saxophonist Greg Osby, followed by Longitude with DJ Logic in 2005.

In 2006, the Charlie Hunter Trio resurfaced with Copperopolis. After recruiting Erik Deutsch on keys and Simon Lott on drums, the trio released Mistico in the summer of 2007. In 2008, Hunter released the self-titled Charlie Hunter Trio and "Baboon Strength" and then continued into the new decade with "Gentlemen, I Neglected to Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid." Hunter's exploration into various genres led to the creation of a unique catalog of instrumental music From 2008 to 2018, he released a series of albums that further explored his 7-string guitar style. Highlights during this period were “Baboon Strength” (2008), “Gentlemen I Neglected to Tell You You Will Not Be Getting Paid” (2009), “ Let the Bells Ring On" (2015), "Everybody Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth" (2016). In 2016, he embarked on a groundbreaking tour with a new quartet that included a trombone, an instrument seldom seen in his previous line-ups. After releasing Blue Note’s "Songs of the Analog Playground" which featured Norah Jones, Kurt Elling, Mos Def, Theryl DeClouet, he continued to work with vocalists such as D’Angelo, Frank Ocean, John Mayer, alongside emerging voices like Dara Tucker, Lucy Woodward, Silvana Estrada, Maritzaida and Victoria Elliott.

By the end of the decade, Hunter’s innovative and pioneering contributions to the jazz genre had significantly reshaped its landscape, earning him a place among the most influential jazz artists of the 21st century.[citation needed]

During the 2019 pandemic, Hunter turned his attention towards music production and long-distance collaborations. This led to the creation of Wheelhouse Beats, a groundbreaking metronome app featuring some of today’s most notable drummers. Furthermore, Hunter founded SideHustle Records, his personal record label and artist development house. As a staunch advocate for artist rights, he gained control of his master recordings, which he subsequently remastered and reissued. SideHustle Records’ artist development house is committed to nurturing emerging talent. Occasionally teaming up with The Little Village Foundation, a non-profit organization known for its dedication to promoting and preserving diverse cultural expressions, Hunter works to amplify new voices and talents and build a more inclusive music community. His various collaborations are instrumental in escalating the careers of many budding artists, further establishing his reputation as a producer, collaborator and mentor.

After a long-distance collaboration, former Blue Note label mate and GRAMMY award-winning vocalist, Kurt Elling, alongside Hunter, Corey Fonville, and DJ Harrison (Butcher Brown), debuted their innovative band, SuperBlue, in late 2020. Their unique blend of traditional jazz elements with modern influences heralds a new era of music exploration. Following their debut, the band embarked on several international tours and released four LPs. SuperBlue has been nominated twice for the GRAMMY awards.

Equipment

[edit]

Hunter currently plays 6 and 7 string guitars made by Hybrid Guitars Co. Hybrid Guitars was founded in 2015 when he teamed up with luthiers Clay Conner and Wes Lambe to produce fanned-fret instruments to his specifications. www.hybrid-guitars.com Previously, Hunter played custom-made seven-string guitar/s made by Jeff Traugott, eight-string guitar/s made by luthier Ralph Novak of Novax Guitars. He played chords and lead guitar solos on the top five strings (tuned ADGBE), and simultaneously played bass lines on the bottom three strings (tuned EAD). With the addition of a Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere (a Leslie rotary speaker simulator), his unique style produced a sound similar to that of a Hammond organ—an instrument he set out to imitate.[6]

In 2006, Hunter removed the top guitar string and had the neck of his guitar reworked and now plays a modified 7-string on the formerly-8 string body. Hunter has mentioned that because of his small hands, he had to move out of position to make use of the 8th string and thus wasn't using it much. A change in Hunter's style away from the organ sound into a more blues and distortion based sound happened at the same time. After removing the 8th string, Hunter retuned all of the strings up a half step: F-Bb-Eb on the bass and Bb-Eb-Ab-C on the guitar. As of 2008, he had once again retuned up another whole step: G-C-F on the bass and C-F-Bb-D on the guitar.[7]

Discography

[edit]

As leader/co-leader

[edit]

With Groundtruther

  • Latitude (Thirsty Ear, 2004)
  • Longitude (Thirsty Ear, 2005)
  • Altitude (Thirsty Ear, 2007)

With Victoria Victoria

  • To The Wayside (SideHustle, 2022)
  • First Snow (SideHustle, 2022)
  • Victoria Victoria and Charlie Hunter - Live Sessions (SideHustle, 2023)
  • Sweetest Ache (SideHustle, 2023, 2024)

With SuperBlue (with Kurt Elling)

  • SuperBlue (GRAMMY® Nomination. Edition, 2021)
  • SuperBlue: The London Sessions (Live) (EP) (Edition, 2022)
  • SuperBlue: Guilty Pleasures (feat. Nate Smith) (Edition, 2023)
  • SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree (GRAMMY® Nomination. Edition, 2023)

Other projects

[edit]

With Garage a Trois

With T. J. Kirk

  • T. J. Kirk (Warner Bros., 1994)
  • If Four Was One (Warner Bros., 1996)
  • Talking Only Makes it Worse (Ropeadope, 2003) [Live performance recorded 1997]

With Bobby Previte

With others

As producer/co-producer

[edit]
  • Charlie Hunter Solo Eight String Guitar (Contra Punto 2000)
  • Songs From The Analog Playground (Blue Note 2001)
  • Right Now Move (Ropeadope 2003 Remastered and Reissued on SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Copperopolis (Ropeadope 2006/Reissued on SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Mistico (Fantasy / UMG 2007)
  • Baboon Strength (reapandsow 2008. Remastered and Reissued on SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Public Domain (2010 Reissued on SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Gentlemen, I Neglected To Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid (2010 Reissued on SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Not Getting Behind Is The New Getting Ahead with Scott Amendola (2012 Reissued on SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Pucker with Scott Amendola (Sazi Records 2013)
  • The Cars, Hank Williams, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington with Scott Amendola (2014)
  • We Two Kings with Bobby Previte (2015 Rank Hypocri$y Reissued by SideHustle Records 2023)
  • DionneDionne with Dionne Farris (Free & Clear 2015)
  • Let the Bells Ring On (2015 Reissued on SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Everybody Has A Plan Until They Get Punched In The Mouth (2016 Reissued by SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Lo Sagrado with Silvana Estrada (2017)
  • Charlie Hunter/Carter McLean Ft. Silvana Estrada (2018)
  • The Seven Colors Dara Tucker (2019)
  • Music! Music! Music! with Lucy Woodward (Mocloud Records 2019)
  • Bloom Honey & Blue (2020)
  • Patton in Percussion (SideHustle Records 2020)
  • Charlie Hunter Trio Live At The Memphis Music Mansion (SideHustle Records 2021)
  • I’m A Stranger Here with Lucy Woodward (2021)
  • Kick Snare Baritone Guitar (SideHustle Records 2021)
  • Space Girl with Reliably Bad (2021)
  • Sam Fribush Organ Trio, Vol. 1: Riverboat & Vol. 2: The Root (SideHustle Records 2021)
  • Drums Roots and Steel with DaShawn Hickman (Little Village Foundation 2022)
  • Nuevo South Train Larry & Joe (SideHustle Records 2022)
  • Just Play The Blues with Wil Blades and George Sluppick (SideHustle Records 2022)
  • To The Wayside with Victoria Victoria (SideHustle Records 2022)
  • First Snow with Victoria Victoria (SideHustle Records 2022)
  • Victoria Victoria & Charlie Hunter - Live Sessions (SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Mod Cons (SideHustle Records 2023)
  • Everybody’s Buddy Nic Clark (Little Village Music/SideHustle 2023)
  • Boleros Clasicos Volumen Uno y Volumen Dos Maritzaida (SideHustle Records 2023)
  • When The Levee Breaks: The Music of Memphis Minnie Candice Ivory (Little Village Music/SideHustle 2023)
  • Sweetest Ache with Victoria Victoria (SideHustle Records 2023, 2024)
  • Jubu with Jubu Smith and Calvin Napper (Little Village/SideHustle 2024)
  • Montrose with Corey Fonville (Butcher Brown) and Adrian Olsen (SideHustle Records 2024)
  • Different Strokes for Different Folks Charlie Hunter and Ella Feingold (SideHustle Records 2025)

Producing SuperBlue (with Kurt Elling)

  • SuperBlue (Edition, 2021)
  • SuperBlue: The London Sessions (Live) (EP) (Edition, 2022)
  • SuperBlue: Guilty Pleasures (feat. Nate Smith (musician)) (Edition, 2023)
  • SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree (Edition, 2023)

Videography

[edit]

Filmography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Charlie Hunter

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Charlie Hunter (born May 23, 1967) is an American , , , and bandleader renowned for his pioneering use of custom-built hybrid guitars that enable him to perform bass lines, chords, and melodies simultaneously, effectively eliminating the need for a separate in his ensembles. Raised in , after his family relocated from when he was four, Hunter grew up in a household where his mother repaired guitars for a living, sparking his early interest in the instrument. He purchased his first guitar at age 12 for $7 and began taking lessons from as a teenager, while attending Berkeley High School alongside future jazz notables and Benny Green. Discovering at 18 through influences like , , and organist Jimmy Smith, Hunter committed to a professional music career at 16, blending with , , and in his distinctive style. Hunter first gained prominence in the early 1990s with his debut album Charlie Hunter Trio (1993), followed by breakthroughs like Natty Dread (1997) on Blue Note Records, which showcased his innovative 8-string guitar technique and attracted a diverse audience spanning jazz and rock scenes. Over his 30-plus-year career, he has released more than 20 albums, including key works such as Queens New York (1998), Songs from the Analog Playground (2001)—his first featuring vocalists—and recent projects like SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree (2023) in collaboration with Grammy-winning vocalist Kurt Elling, DJ Harrison, and drummer Corey Fonville, as well as Different Strokes for Different Folks (2025) with Ella Feingold. His innovations extend beyond performance; in 2015, Hunter co-founded Hybrid Guitars Co. to produce his signature 6- and 7-string instruments, and he launched SideHustle Records in 2019 to support emerging artists, producing albums for talents like Victoria Victoria, Maritzaida, and Candice Ivory. Notable collaborations include long-term duets with Scott Amendola (e.g., Not Getting Behind Is the New Getting Ahead, ), work with singer Leon Parker, and production for organist Sam Fribush, underscoring his role as a versatile figure in contemporary and music. Hunter continues to tour extensively, maintain a Patreon series exploring the music of guitarist Arthur "Blind" Blake since 2022, and push genre boundaries through residencies and festival appearances.

Biography

Early Life

Charlie Hunter was born on May 23, 1967, in . At the age of four, his mother, a committed activist with , packed him and his younger sister into an old yellow for a journey west, where the family lived hand-to-mouth on welfare while residing in a hippie commune in Mendocino County before settling in . Growing up in Berkeley's multicultural environment, Hunter's early fascination with music stemmed from his mother's profession as a guitar repairer at local shops like Subway Guitars, which filled their home with instruments and exposed him to a constant array of sounds from folk, , and beyond. His mother's own background in the folk scene of the late and early , where she followed artists like and , further embedded music in the family's daily life. At age 12, Hunter bought his first guitar for $7 and taught himself the fundamentals by emulating recordings of , , and blues pioneers like and , marking the start of his self-directed musical education. By 14, he began formal lessons with Bay Area guitar instructor , honing his technique amid the region's burgeoning rock and jazz scenes, while attending Berkeley High School alongside future jazz notables and Benny Green. In his late teens, Hunter deepened his immersion in Berkeley's vibrant music community, experimenting with diverse styles from and Stax to early influences like , laying the groundwork for his innovative approach to the instrument.

Career Development

Hunter began his professional career in the during the late 1980s, seeking ways to distinguish himself amid the local music scene by experimenting with hybrid guitar techniques on a custom seven-string instrument. In 1991, he joined as a , contributing to their debut Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury released in 1992 and participating in national tours that included opening slots for on their . In 1992, Hunter formed the Charlie Hunter Trio—a bass-less ensemble featuring saxophonist Dave Ellis and drummer —marking his entry as a with a focus on grooves. The group signed with shortly thereafter, releasing their self-titled debut album Charlie Hunter in 1993, which showcased Hunter's innovative approach to simultaneous bass lines and melodic guitar playing on an custom-built by Ralph Novak of Novax Guitars. This instrument, introduced early in his career, allowed Hunter to emulate organ trios by handling both bass and chordal roles, influencing his subsequent ensembles. Throughout the 1990s, Hunter's output on solidified his reputation, with key releases including Bing Bing Bing! (1995), which expanded the trio format with dynamic interplay, and (1997), a full reinterpretation of Bob Marley's album featuring saxophonists and Calder Spanier. These albums highlighted his evolution toward groove-oriented , drawing from and while maintaining improvisational depth. He also formed side projects like T.J. Kirk in the mid-1990s, releasing covers of and that blended and popular elements, and later Pound for Pound in 1998 for Return of the Candyman. Major tours supported these efforts, including appearances at the in 1998, where his octet performed alongside artists like and . Entering the 2000s, Hunter transitioned from after Songs from the Analog Playground (2001) to independent labels, signing with for Right Now Move (2003), which introduced a more experimental trio with Gregoire Maret on harmonica. This shift allowed greater artistic control, leading to frequent lineup changes and collaborations, such as the Groundtruther series with drummer Bobby Previte (2003–2005) and a return to configurations emphasizing soulful grooves. Extensive touring continued, encompassing festivals and clubs worldwide, while partnerships like the 2007 Fantasy release Mistico underscored his adaptability across jazz subgenres up to around 2010. Notable collaborations during this period included work with vocalist , evolving into the project that blended with Hunter's signature instrumentation.

Recent Activities

In the , Charlie Hunter shifted toward releases emphasizing techniques and vinyl formats, partnering with GroundUP Music for projects that highlighted his quartet's blues-inflected sound. A key example is his 2016 Everyone Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth, featuring collaborations with cornetist Kirk Knuffke, drummer Bobby Previte, and trombonist Curtis Fowlkes, which drew on heavyweight boxing imagery for its title and explored raw, groove-oriented . This release marked a return to Hunter's roots while prioritizing warm, tape-based production suited for vinyl playback. During the from 2020 to 2022, Hunter adapted by initiating remote collaborations, most notably the SuperBlue project with vocalist , DJ Harrison, and drummer Corey Fonville, which began as a virtual effort amid isolation and evolved into in-person sessions in . The resulting 2021 album SuperBlue blended , standards, and original material, showcasing Hunter's hybrid guitar in a groove-heavy context and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album; this collaboration continued with the 2023 album SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree. This period also emphasized setups, allowing Hunter to experiment with production while limiting live performances. In 2019, Hunter launched his own SideHustle Records label, focusing on vinyl-exclusive and limited-edition releases that underscore analog aesthetics, including the 2024 instrumental trio album Montrose with drummer Corey Fonville and bassist Adrian Olsen. He resumed extensive touring, performing at festivals such as the 2024 Montreal International Jazz Festival in a duo with drummer Scott Amendola and leading fall 2025 dates with a new trio configuration. These activities reflect Hunter's integration into streaming platforms and contemporary jazz circuits while maintaining his emphasis on live improvisation and collaborative innovation. Since 2022, he has maintained a Patreon series exploring the music of guitarist Arthur "Blind" Blake.

Musical Approach

Style and Influences

Charlie Hunter's musical style is a distinctive fusion of , and , incorporating elements of hip-hop, rock, and to create groove-oriented compositions that evoke the energy of classic organ trios. His work often blends the improvisational freedom of modern with the rhythmic drive of and the emotional depth of , resulting in a sound that prioritizes pocket and feel over virtuosic display. This approach draws heavily from soul-jazz traditions, where Hunter emulates the dynamic interplay of organ, guitar, and drums through his guitar work, producing layered textures that mimic ensemble interactions. Hunter's primary influences include groove-focused jazz artists such as guitarist and organists Jimmy Smith, Larry Young, and Big John Patton, whose blues-inflected soul-jazz shaped his emphasis on rhythmic precision and melodic invention. He also draws from electric experimentation in the styles of and , integrating rock-infused timbres and socially resonant soul grooves into his improvisations. Additionally, the modal improvisation and innovative structures of inform Hunter's exploratory harmonic language, allowing him to navigate complex fusions while maintaining accessibility. A hallmark of Hunter's approach is his ability to layer bass lines, chords, and lead melodies simultaneously, achieving a "" effect that replicates the fullness of a traditional in both live performances and recordings. This technique enables seamless transitions between accompaniment and soloing, fostering a cohesive, band-like from a solo instrument. Over time, Hunter's style has evolved from the high-energy funk-jazz of his output, characterized by upbeat, danceable tracks, to more introspective and varied explorations in the , incorporating folk and modern elements for deeper emotional nuance. In the 2020s, Hunter continued evolving his style through projects like the 2024 album with , incorporating electronic and hip-hop grooves, and a series since 2022 delving into the fingerstyle blues of Arthur "Blind" Blake. He briefly references employing an to facilitate this layering, enhancing his capacity for polyphonic expression.

Technique and Innovation

Charlie Hunter's polyphonic technique centers on simultaneously executing bass lines, chords, and melodies on a single instrument, achieved by plucking bass notes with his right thumb on the lower strings while them with his left and using his other fingers to comp rhythms and solos on the upper strings. This approach simulates a multi-instrument , with the thumb providing a percussive, walking bass foundation that interlocks with fingerpicked chord voicings and lead lines for seamless . In the , Hunter pioneered hybrid instrumentation in by adopting custom seven- and eight-string guitars with separate outputs for bass and treble signals, allowing amplified performance that retained an organic, resonant tone suited to improvisational contexts. This setup facilitated his self-accompaniment style, blending the warmth of acoustic-like projection with electric clarity to support groove-oriented ensembles without additional musicians. His method, influenced briefly by jazz-funk's emphasis on pocket rhythms, prioritizes rhythmic displacement and space over dense harmony, using muted notes as intentional rests to enhance . Hunter has adapted his technique over time, incorporating volume pedals in 2000s recordings for subtle dynamic swells that add depth to polyphonic layers, as heard in collaborations like D'Angelo's Voodoo. He teaches these elements through masterclasses and workshops, breaking down bass-guitar integration, counterpoint development, and groove maintenance to help students achieve fluid multi-part playing. His innovations have influenced modern guitarists in blending acoustic resonance with amplified textures, expanding polyphonic possibilities in contemporary jazz.

Equipment

Custom Guitars

Charlie Hunter's signature sound relies heavily on custom-built eight-string guitars designed to function as both bass and lead instruments, allowing him to perform polyphonic lines without additional musicians. In the early , Hunter collaborated with Ralph Novak of Novax Guitars to develop the first prototype of this hybrid instrument, which debuted on his 1995 album Bing, Bing, Bing! and became a cornerstone of his live and studio work. The eight-string design features fanned frets for ergonomic playability across varying scale lengths, with the lower three strings tuned to E-A-D (mimicking the lowest strings of a standard bass) and the upper five strings tuned to A-D-G-B-E (the higher strings of a standard guitar). This configuration provides deep bass response alongside full guitar range, routed through separate outputs for independent amplification of bass and guitar signals. Early models were solid-body constructions, often in or , emphasizing sustain and clarity essential to Hunter's rhythmic drive. Over the years, the design evolved to include semi-hollow body variants with tops and chambered backs, reducing weight by about two pounds while adding and a rounder tone without sacrificing power. Novak's custom humbucking pickups were incorporated in the early builds for improved clarity and reduced hum, enhancing the instrument's versatility for ensembles. A primary tour guitar from the , affectionately dubbed "The Beast" by Hunter, featured these refinements and was central to recordings like the 2001 album Monger, where its tonal capabilities shaped the bass-heavy grooves. By the late 1990s, Hunter began working with Traugott on refined models, transitioning to seven-string variants around 2010 for greater playability in certain tunings, such as D-B♭-F-C (bass) and F-C-G-D (guitar from low to high). These Traugott instruments, like the 2014 REs solid-body model with Brazilian top and back, body, neck, and fingerboard, use Bartolini bass pickups and Lollar guitar pickups for balanced output. Custom variants continued in use through 2025, maintaining the hybrid ethos while adapting to Hunter's evolving style. In 2015, Hunter co-founded Hybrid Guitars Co. to produce accessible versions of his signature hybrid designs, including 6-string (e.g., the "Big 6" with 3 bass and 3 guitar strings), 7-string, and 8-string models. These instruments feature dual outputs, fanned frets, and customizable scales (e.g., 31"-28" for the Big 6), often tuned in variations like G-C-F (bass) and C-F-B♭-D (guitar) for recent collaborations such as SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree (2024). Hunter frequently demos these guitars, incorporating them into live performances and recordings as of 2025. Hunter's guitars undergo regular maintenance, including setups to accommodate alternate tunings—such as shifting the lower strings for specific keys—which directly influenced the resonant tones on albums like Monger. These modifications ensure optimal intonation across the wide scale range, supporting his role in polyphonic playing without venturing into amplification details.

Amplification and Effects

Charlie Hunter's amplification setup is designed to accommodate the dual nature of his custom , with separate outputs for the bass and guitar strings. For the bass side, he has employed heads since at least the early 2000s, often paired with guitar cabinets to deliver a balanced low-end that supports his hybrid playing without overpowering the . This configuration provides the punchy, defined foundation essential for his rhythmic bass lines, as utilized in recordings like his 2010 project. In the , Hunter transitioned toward boutique amplification for the guitar channel to achieve cleaner, more articulate tones suited to and improvisational contexts. He adopted the Carr Rambler, modified to Class A/B operation for enhanced touch sensitivity and warmth, particularly on his East Coast tours, while using a Carr variant on the West Coast for consistency. These amps, combined with occasional Fender Pro Reverb units in studio settings with adjusted bass and treble controls, emphasize dynamic response over high gain. Hunter's effects chain remains minimalistic, prioritizing analog warmth to maintain an organic sound while allowing subtle enhancements. Key pedals include the Maxon AD-900 analog delay for spacious yet unobtrusive echoes, the Maxon PH-350 phaser for swirling textures, and compressors to extend sustain without compressing dynamics excessively. Rotary emulators such as the Strymon Lex and Boss RT-2 are staples, adding Leslie-inspired modulation that evokes organ timbres. Throughout his career, Hunter's gear has evolved from a strict analog focus in the and early —relying on pedals like the Hughes & Kettner Rotosphere for rotary effects—to incorporating reliable digital options like Strymon units in recent years for live performance stability. His tone philosophy centers on warmth, responsiveness, and organ-like depth, achieved through this to replicate the interactive feel of a in trio settings, where the effects enhance rather than dominate the interplay.

Discography

As Leader

Charlie Hunter's tenure as a bandleader spans more than three decades, during which he has helmed over 25 albums, primarily through independent labels like and GroundUP Music, achieving commercial success in niche jazz and fusion markets without major label backing post-Blue Note. His leadership emphasizes tight-knit ensembles, often trios or quartets, that amplify his eight-string guitar's dual role as melody and bass lines. The debut album, Charlie Hunter Trio (1993, Prawn Song), introduced this signature trio format, blending funk grooves with and drawing immediate acclaim for its organic, live-wire energy. Early releases in the 1990s established Hunter's funk-jazz foundation, infusing reggae, soul, and hip-hop elements into instrumental frameworks, as seen in Morse Code (1996, Blue Note), which layered Morse code-inspired rhythms over buoyant basslines. The 2000s shifted toward experimental textures, incorporating electronic and acoustic hybrids in works like Baboon Strength (2008, Spire Artist Media), where Hunter pared down to a power trio for raw, primal grooves emphasizing rhythm section interplay. In recent years, Hunter's output has grown eclectic, embracing infusions and covers alongside originals. This evolution reflects his independent ethos, with facilitating artistic freedom and steady output since the early 2000s.
YearAlbum TitleLabelNotes
1993Charlie Hunter TrioPrawn SongDebut album introducing hybrid guitar technique
1995Bing! Bing! Bing!Trio funk-jazz exploration
1996Ready...Set...Shango! with influences
1996Morse CodeFunk-jazz with rhythmic codes
1997Natty Dread covers in trio format
1998Return of the Candyman soul-jazz
1999DuoMinimalist duo with Leon Parker
2001Songs from the Analog PlaygroundVocalist features in experimental vein
2003Right Now MovePost- independent debut
2006CopperopolisUrban funk atmospheres
2007MisticoFantasyLatin-tinged grooves
2008Baboon StrengthSpire Artist MediaExperimental
2010Gentlemen, I Neglected to Inform You You Will Not Be Getting PaidSpire Artist MediaSatirical
2012Not Getting Behind Is the New Getting AheadMotéma MusicOptimistic post-recession themes
2014The CouncilGroundUP MusicCollaborative yet led ensemble
2015Let the Bells Ring OnRoyal Potato FamilyHoliday-inspired instrumentals
2016Everybody Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the MouthGroundUP Music resilience anthems
2025[No solo leader album listed as of November 2025]--

As Collaborator or Sideman

Hunter's early sideman work included providing bass lines on tracks from Michael Franti's group The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy's debut album Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury (1992), blending hip-hop with political lyricism through his foundational grooves. Throughout his career, Hunter has engaged in several joint projects that highlight his ensemble role. In 1999, he co-led the album Duo with percussionist Leon Parker, where Hunter's eight-string guitar handled both lead melodies and bass duties in an intimate jazz setting, emphasizing rhythmic interplay over extended improvisation. The Groundtruther series (2004–2007), co-led with drummer Bobby Previte, explored experimental jazz-electronica across three albums—Latitude, Longitude, and Altitude—with Hunter's layered guitar contributing to abstract, thematic soundscapes inspired by geographic coordinates. Norah Jones appeared as a guest vocalist on Hunter's Songs from the Analog Playground (2001), adding subtle textures to its experimental arrangements. His partnership with vocalist produced the project, beginning with the self-titled debut (2021, Edition Records) and followed by SuperBlue: Guilty Pleasures Vol. 1 (2023 EP, Big Shoulders Records) and SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree (2023, Edition Records), where Hunter's innovative guitar-bass technique supported Elling's improvisational scat and lyrics in a fusion of and . Additional collaborations include Music! Music! Music! (2019) co-led with , featuring blues and soul standards. Different Strokes for Different Folks (2025, SideHustle Records) co-led with Ella Feingold, a guitar duo exploring , , and covers. Montrose (2024, SideHustle Records) with Fonville and Adrian Olsen, blending and percussion. These works underscore Hunter's over 50 guest credits across recordings, often integrating his signature dual-role playing into hip-hop, , and contexts without dominating the forefront. In group settings, Hunter's style adapts fluidly, layering percussive bass lines beneath collective improvisation to enhance ensemble dynamics.

Other Contributions

Production and Composition

Charlie Hunter has served as for numerous throughout his , particularly those under his , where he shapes the sonic landscape to integrate his distinctive guitar work with dynamics. Notable examples include his oversight of Everybody Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth (2016, GroundUP Music), a featuring arrangements and rhythmic complexity that highlights his hands-on approach to blending genres. He also produced Baboon Strength (2008, Spire Artist Media), emphasizing raw instrumental interplay among his . In collaborative efforts, Hunter has extended his production role to partners, co-producing Come In Red Dog, This Is Tango Leader (2003, ) with drummer Bobby Previte, which explores experimental structures through layered percussion and guitar textures. These credits underscore his ability to guide recordings that fuse with precise production choices, often prioritizing organic group chemistry over polished studio effects. Hunter's compositional approach centers on original pieces that merge frameworks—characterized by extended harmonies and scalar exploration—with infectious grooves, creating accessible yet sophisticated structures for . Tracks like "The Oracle" from Songs from the Analog Playground (2001, ) exemplify this, opening with a modal head that evolves into a propulsive bass-driven , allowing his 8-string guitar to navigate both melodic and ic domains simultaneously. This style recurs across his catalog, as seen in the swinging of "Who Put You Behind the Wheel?" from his 2016 album, where blues-inflected heads give way to groove-oriented vamps. His suites, such as the multi-part Groundtruther series with Previte, further demonstrate this hybrid method, constructing narrative arcs from modal themes overlaid with and electronic elements. In recent years, Hunter has channeled his production expertise into mentorship via his independent label, SideHustle Records, fostering emerging talent in the landscape. He produced and collaborated on projects like Different Strokes for Different Folks (2025) with Ella Feingold, exploring intricate harmonic and rhythmic interplay rooted in , and Sweetest Ache (2024) with vocalist Victoria Victoria, blending her soulful delivery with his funky arrangements. He also worked on Montrose (2024) with Corey Fonville of and bassist Adrian Olsen, and Jubu (2024) with Jubu Smith and Calvin Napper. These efforts have positioned Hunter as a key influencer in the 2020s fusion scene, supporting young acts who expand on his genre-blending through innovative recordings.

Media Appearances

Charlie Hunter has made several notable appearances in visual media, primarily through performance-based videos and television spots that highlight his innovative guitar work. One of his early television performances was on in 1997, where his quartet played a cover of Bob Marley's "Lively Up Yourself," showcasing his signature 8-string guitar technique that blends bass lines, chords, and melodies simultaneously. This appearance helped introduce his unique sound to a broader audience beyond circles. In the realm of videography, Hunter has released official music videos that emphasize his collaborative spirit and genre-blending style. The 2016 video for "No Money No Honey," from his album Everybody Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth, features Hunter's intricate playing in a minimalist setup, directed to capture the track's funky groove. Similarly, the 2019 official video for "Can't Let Go," a collaboration with vocalist Lucy Woodward from their album Music! Music! Music!, presents a lively duet performance that underscores their chemistry. More recently, the 2022 video for "Gloomy Sunday" featuring Miwi La Lupa, from the album I'm a Stranger Here, incorporates noir-inspired visuals to complement the song's moody reinterpretation. Hunter's live performance videos and DVDs further document his stage prowess. The 2004 DVD Right Now Live captures his in a high-energy concert, filmed to demonstrate the full-band illusion created by his guitar. Released the following year, Solo Inventions (2005) offers an intimate solo concert, highlighting original compositions and covers performed on his custom instrument. Additionally, the 2004 episode of the documentary series Solos: The Jazz Sessions, recorded at Toronto's Berkeley Church, includes full performances like "Oakland" alongside interviews discussing his hybrid guitar approach. These releases, totaling over a dozen video projects including festival clips and online performances, serve both promotional and educational purposes for aspiring musicians. In film and documentary contexts, Hunter has contributed to jazz-focused projects. He appears in the 2021 documentary JazzTown, a film exploring Denver's jazz scene, where he shares insights on longevity in the music industry alongside figures like . This appearance, part of about five credited film roles, emphasizes his role as a mentor in contemporary . Overall, Hunter's media presence prioritizes live and instructional elements, with videos often doubling as tutorials on his technique through platforms like .

References

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