Biography
Charlie Hunter (born May 23, 1967, in Rhode Island, USA) is an American guitarist, composer, producer, and bandleader renowned for his pioneering use of custom seven- and eight-string guitars. Raised in Berkeley, California, Hunter was introduced to the world of guitars early, thanks to his mother’s profession as a guitar repairer. His formative years included time living on a commune in Mendocino County, and he attended Berkeley High School, where he took lessons from famed rock guitarist Joe Satriani. At eighteen, Hunter moved to Paris, busking on the streets and gaining invaluable practical experience before returning to the Bay Area.
Hunter’s career began to flourish in the early 1990s when he played seven-string guitar with Michael Franti’s politically charged group, The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, even opening for U2’s Zoo TV Tour in 1992. He released his debut album, 'Charlie Hunter Trio,' in 1993, and soon after signed with Blue Note Records. Hunter’s innovative technique—simultaneously playing bass lines, chords, and melodies—became his signature, especially after he adopted a custom eight-string guitar designed by Ralph Novak. Throughout his career, Hunter has explored jazz, funk, blues, and beyond, collaborating with a wide range of artists and continually reinventing his sound. His discography includes both solo projects and group efforts, such as his work with the Charlie Hunter Trio, Groundtruther (with Bobby Previte), and the Grammy-nominated SuperBlue project with Kurt Elling.
Hunter’s legacy lies in his technical mastery and his role as a creative force in modern jazz and instrumental music. He is celebrated for expanding the possibilities of the guitar, influencing a generation of musicians, and supporting emerging artists as a producer and collaborator. His work continues to blur genre boundaries, making him a respected and innovative figure in contemporary music.
Fun Facts
- Hunter’s mother was a guitar repairer, which exposed him to instrument building and maintenance from a young age.
- He is known for playing custom-built seven- and eight-string guitars, often designed to his specifications, and co-founded Hybrid Guitars Co. in 2015.
- Hunter busked on the streets of Paris in his late teens, which he credits as crucial to his musical development.
- He has performed in a wide variety of ensemble formats, from solo to quintet, and has produced albums for other artists on his own label, SideHustle Records.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Joe Satriani - Hunter took guitar lessons from Satriani during his teenage years in Berkeley. (Guitar studies and technique development) [Early 1980s]
- Joe Pass - Stylistic influence; admired Pass's ability to blend bass and melody on guitar. (Inspired Hunter’s approach to simultaneous bass and guitar parts) [Formative years]
- Tuck Andress - Influence on Hunter’s contrapuntal guitar style. (Inspired Hunter’s multi-part guitar technique) [Formative years]
Key Collaborators
- Michael Franti - Bandmate in The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. (The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy (band, early 1990s)) [1991-1992]
- Jay Lane - Drummer in the Charlie Hunter Trio. (Charlie Hunter Trio albums) [1993-1995]
- Dave Ellis - Saxophonist in the Charlie Hunter Trio. (Charlie Hunter Trio albums) [1993-1995]
- Bobby Previte - Partner in Groundtruther project. (Groundtruther albums) [2003-2007]
- Norah Jones - Collaborated on 'Songs from the Analog Playground'. (Songs from the Analog Playground (2001)) [2001]
- Kurt Elling - Co-leader of SuperBlue project. (SuperBlue albums) [2020-present]
- Mos Def - Featured vocalist on 'Songs from the Analog Playground'. (Songs from the Analog Playground (2001)) [2001]
Artists Influenced
- Julian Lage - Cites Hunter’s approach to multi-voice guitar as an influence. (Solo and collaborative jazz guitar work) [2010s-present]
- Adam Levy - Has spoken about Hunter’s impact on modern jazz guitar technique. (Solo and session work) [2000s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Songs From The Analog Playground | 2001-01-01 | Album |
| Lo Sagrado | 2017-11-03 | Album |
| Baboon Strength | 2008-06-15 | Album |
| People Please | 2024-03-15 | Album |
| Natty Dread | 1997-01-01 | Album |
| Sam Fribush Organ Trio, Vol. I: Riverboat | 2021-03-05 | Album |
| SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree | 2023-09-15 | Album |
| SuperBlue | 2021-10-08 | Album |
| SuperBlue | 2021-09-30 | Album |
| SuperBlue | 2021-09-30 | Album |
| Charlie Hunter | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| Montrose | 2024-08-30 | Album |
| Steady Groovin' | 2005-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- More Than This (Songs From The Analog Playground)
- Fine Corinthian Leather (Baboon Strength)
- Day Is Done (Songs From The Analog Playground)
- Detesto En Mí (Lo Sagrado)
- Creole (Songs From The Analog Playground)
- Porque Existo (Lo Sagrado)
- Shirley Chisholm
- Blues for Ben (All Kooked Out!)
- Ok Boomer (People Please)
- Lo Sagrado (Lo Sagrado)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
charlie hunter has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2025 | 08:25 | Twilight Vertigofrom Different Strokes for Different Folks | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Dec 1, 2025 | 18:28 | Difford-Tilbrookfrom Baboon Strength | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean | |
| Nov 18, 2025 | 16:28 | song for karen carpenterfrom baboon strenghtgh | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ T.R. Johnson | |
| Nov 14, 2025 | 12:16 | witch doctor | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk |