One of the most incomparable present-day jazz musicians, Charlie Hunter is not just an American guitarist, composer, and bandleader but a true innovator. Performing primarily on seven- and eight-string guitars customized to include both bass and guitar strings, Hunter simultaneously plays bass lines, rhythm guitar, and solos.
First coming to prominence in the early '90s, Hunter has recorded 17 albums. Included in an array of trios, quartets, and quintets is the ongoing collaboration with Bobby Previte titled Groundtruther. Hunter is also a cofounder of Garage a Trois with Stanton Moore and Skerik. His work appears on at least another 15 albums, including works by Michael Franti's political rap group, the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy; Les Claypool's Holy Mackerel; jazz bassist Christian McBride; and neo-soul legend D'Angelo.
The Charlie Hunter Trio will perform Saturday at the Bienes Center for the Arts at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a venue intended to nurture and emphasize the arts for local students and the community at large. Gracing Florida with this one-off performance supporting Hunter's latest release, Gentlemen, I Neglected to Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid, the band will feature Michael R. Williams on trumpet and Eric Kalb (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, John Scofield) on drums.
