Charlie Hunter is a jazz guitarist from Rhode Island, United States, who works across contemporary jazz, jazz and jazz fusion. He is known for playing custom-made seven- and eight-string guitars and for a style that draws on country, pop, rock and other influences.

Background and early work

Hunter grows up in Berkeley, California and graduates from Berkeley High School. His Charlie Hunter Trio begins in 1993, and he records more than seventeen albums over the course of his career.

Groups and collaborations

He works in a range of projects and group settings, including the Charlie Hunter Quartet, Charlie Hunter Quintet, Charlie Hunter Trio, Charlie Hunter & Pound For Pound, Charlie Hunter Quartet, Charlie Hunter and His Kangaroo Hoppers, Charlie Hunter & Lucy Woodward, The Dionne Farris Charlie Hunter Duo, Sam Fribush Organ Trio, Mike Clark's Prescription Renewal, Groundtruther, T.J. Kirk, Garage a Trois and The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy.

His collaborators include Miles Perkins, Scott Amendola, Will Bernard, Skerik, Jay Lane, Dave Ellis, John Ellis, Mimi Fox, Peter Apfelbaum, Stefon Harris, Kurt Elling, Bobby Previte, Greg Osby, Chris Lovejoy, Leon Parker, Josh Roseman, John Santos, John Schott, D'Angelo, Calder Spanier, Mos Def, Norah Jones, Adam Cruz, Willard Dyson and John Mayer.

Recording activity

Hunter releases Baboon Strength as his first self-released record. It is an instrumental album with nine tracks and includes elements associated with funk and 1980s pop alongside other influences.

Style and reputation

He is regarded as a jazz virtuoso on his instrument and is identified with multi-genre guitar work within jazz fusion.

Label

His recordings include releases on 30 Amp Circuit.