One of the most accomplished and soulful guitarists to emerge in the 1990s, Charlie Hunter made a name for himself wielding a custom-built eight-string instrument that allowed him to deliver stanky bass lines while playing grooves dripping with East Bay grease. These days, the Berkeley-reared guitarist is slinging a signature seven-string Hybrid axe that he helped design, but rather than playing simultaneous bass lines, chords, and melodic lead, Hunter has found his way back to his happy place by supporting other, often undersung, musicians. For Hunter, tapping into wild and raw energy is the ultimate goal, whomever he’s working with. In an era when music is often polished to a bright sheen or defiantly lo-fi, he’s dedicated to catching soul in a bottle. - Andrew Gilbert, Classical Voice...
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One of the most accomplished and soulful guitarists to emerge in the 1990s, Charlie Hunter made a name for himself wielding a custom-built eight-string instrument that allowed him to deliver stanky bass lines while playing grooves dripping with East Bay grease. These days, the Berkeley-reared guitarist is slinging a signature seven-string Hybrid axe that he helped design, but rather than playing simultaneous bass lines, chords, and melodic lead, Hunter has found his way back to his happy place by supporting other, often undersung, musicians. For Hunter, tapping into wild and raw energy is the ultimate goal, whomever he’s working with. In an era when music is often polished to a bright sheen or defiantly lo-fi, he’s dedicated to catching soul in a bottle. - Andrew Gilbert, Classical Voice
Charlie Hunter is a guitarist, producer, and composer celebrated for his innovative approach to the instrument. He gained widespread recognition for his pioneering technique on an eight-string guitar, which he custom designed to simultaneously play bass lines, melodies, and chords. Currently, he performs on 6- and 7-string guitars built by Hybrid Guitars Co., a company he co-founded in 2015 with luthiers Clay Conner and Wes Lambe to create fanned-fret instruments tailored to his specifications.
Hunter’s eclectic style seamlessly blends elements of jazz, funk, blues, and rock, creating a distinct sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. His mastery of rhythm, tone, and improvisation has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following. Over the course of his 35-year career, Hunter has released more than 20 albums, blending jazz, blues, and funk into a unique sound that’s all his own. He’s collaborated with a wide range of artists, from John Mayer and Mos Def to Norah Jones and D’Angelo, cementing his reputation as one of the most innovative musicians of his generation.
In 2024, he continued to work with artists including Victoria Victoria, Butcher Brown, Jubu Smith & Calvin Napper, Sam Fribush, Maritzaida, and Candice Ivory. Hunter appeared on Tiny Desk alongside Carrtoons, Kiefer, and Nate Smith, further showcasing his ability to fuse genres and push musical boundaries.
The Charlie Hunter Trio is:
Charlie Hunter - hybrid guitar
Marcus Finnie - drums
Nate Clark - saxophone
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