Charlie Hunter is a renowned guitarist, composer, bandleader, and innovator in the jazz and funk music scenes. Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Hunter's musical journey began at a young age, influenced by his mother, who repaired guitars for a living. Hunter's career is characterized by his development of a unique playing style and his contributions to contemporary music.
Hunter began playing guitar at the age of 12, purchasing his first instrument for $7. By age 14, he was taking lessons from Joe Satriani, a local guitarist who would later gain international fame. His early influences were diverse, spanning blues, rockabilly, funk, and soul, which laid the foundation for his eclectic sound.
Hunter is best known for his custom-built seven- and eight-string guitars, allowing him to play bass lines, melodies, and harmonies simultaneously. This innovative approach derived from his desire to merge elements of bass, guitar, and drums into a singular instrument, setting him apart in the music industry.
Key moments in his career include:
Hunter's music defies easy classification. Though often labeled as a jazz musician, he describes himself as a folk musician, and others argue he's a funk musician. His sound is influenced by a variety of artists, including:
Throughout his career, Hunter has experimented with various band configurations, releasing numerous albums on labels like Blue Note, Ropeadope, and GrounUP. Notable collaborations include:
Hunter takes an unconventional approach to his career, famously rejecting major label contracts with Interscope and Warner Bros. in favor of Blue Note Records. He criticizes the music industry, reflected in album titles like "Not Falling Behind is the New Getting Ahead" and "Gentlemen, I Neglected to Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid."
Charlie Hunter continues to tour and record, maintaining a dedicated fan base captivated by his unique sound and innovative guitar playing. His Instagram bio humorously describes him as a "Driver of tour van with occasional guitar playing," epitomizing his down-to-earth attitude.
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