Charlie Hunter American guitarist, composer Date of Birth: 23.05.1967 Country: USA

1. Charlie Hunter: A Jazz Guitarist and Composer
2. Early Life and Education
3. Musical Influences
4. Professional Career
5. Unique Musical Style
6. Recent Work

Charlie Hunter: A Jazz Guitarist and Composer

Charlie Hunter, an American guitarist and composer, rose to prominence in the early 90s as one of the most promising jazz performers of his time. Renowned for his innovative guitar playing style, Hunter released a total of 17 albums, impressing both fans and critics alike.

Early Life and Education

Charlie Hunter was born on May 23, 1967, in Providence, Rhode Island. At the age of four, his mother gathered him and his younger sister, loaded them onto an old school bus, and set off to the west. After spending several years in the Mendocino County commune, the family eventually settled in San Francisco, California. Hunter attended Berkeley High School and took guitar lessons from the famous Joe Satriani. Reflecting on those early days, Hunter recalls, "At the time, he was just a local teacher in the city where I lived. He was a really good teacher, by the way. It was easy to learn from him."

Musical Influences

Hunter's love for jazz and blues was nurtured by his mother's extensive collection of records, which included artists like Robert Johnson and John Lee Hooker. As a child, he listened to jazz and blues until he began exploring other genres such as The Clash, The Police, and Stevie Wonder during his youth.

Professional Career

In the early 90s, Hunter returned to California from Paris, where he had traveled at the age of 18 for further education. After meeting Michael Franti, he joined his collective, The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, playing guitar and organ. In 1992, Hunter and the group opened for U2's Zoo TV Tour. In 1993, he left The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and released his debut solo album, "Charlie Hunter Trio," with the same band name. In 1998, he co-founded the jazz band Garage A Trois, along with Stanton Moore and Skerik. Additionally, Hunter collaborated with Bobby Previte on the "Groundtruther" project and joined Previte on tour for "The Coalition of the Willing" album in 2006.

Unique Musical Style

Throughout his career, Charlie Hunter has continuously pushed the boundaries of his music, releasing 17 albums, each with its unique sound and style. "I'm not a pop musician who plays songs," says Hunter. One of his notable albums, "Songs from the Analog Playground," released in 2001, featured the vocals of Norah Jones. Reflecting on the experience, Hunter says, "She is a wonderful singer, a beautiful person, and a lovely human being. She became so famous later on, and I'm glad for her – she deserves it. Although what she does is not exactly my kind of music, honestly."

Recent Work

Hunter's most recent albums, "Baboon Strength" and "Fade," were released in 2008, showcasing his continued commitment to creating innovative and captivating music. As he continues to explore new musical territories, Charlie Hunter remains a celebrated figure in the jazz world, admired for his technical prowess and unique approach to guitar playing.