Charlie Hunter may be best known in the jazz world, but playing 7 and 8-string guitars better than most play the standard 6—any audience will be mesmerized by his skills alone. Taught by Joe Satriani, in his earlier days he was part of Michael Franti's political rap group (The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy) and since has branched out on his own, while continuing to collaborate along the way. Tomorrow night he celebrates his latest recording, Baboon Strength, at Sullivan Hall, along with his new trio and a special guest horn section. We recently checked in with him as he embarked upon the tour.
When did you first start getting involved with music? I started out playing drums when I was a kid. By the time I was 16 I knew that I wanted to be a musician.
Why you first started playing an 8-string guitar? I played the bass and I played the guitar. I wanted to push myself to go beyond the confinements of either of those instruments.
And why did you recently go down to 7? In 2006 I removed the top guitar string. I have to move out of position to use the 8th string and so I just wasn’t using it very much.
How do you usually come up with the composition titles? I don’t have a set method. Usually I’ll be playing a riff and it will remind me of a person, event etc. For example my song “Difford-Tilbrook” has sort of Squeeze sound to it so I named it after their main songwriters, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook.
The album was recorded at Trout Studios in Brooklyn, was that your first time recording there? How was the experience? It was my first time recording an album at Trout. They have an old school set-up where everything happens in the same room, instruments, mixing desk, tape machine, everything. We recorded to 16 track two-inch tape before putting it in the digital realm (for those of you who are interested).
What/who are you inspired by? Musically, I’m inspired by people who continue to develop their talent and hone their craft.
Are there any current bands you are enjoying? Radiohead is great and I’m a lifelong ACDC fan.
If you could form an all-star supergroup with anyone, dead or alive, who would be in it? That’s a tough one. Some other guitarists that I really admire are: Tuck Andress, Robert Johnson, David Starobin, Ted Greene, Joe Pass and Joseph Spence.
You wrote a happy MySpace post when Obama was elected, how did you spend Inauguration Day? I was playing a gig in St. Louis actually. Watched it on TV though, great day.
Have you written any songs inspired by the historic event? No, not yet.
Please share your strangest "only in New York" story. I once saw a guy in the subway wearing a trench coat with a catfish stuffed in each pocket.
Which New Yorker do you most admire? Walt Whitman.
Best venue to play/hear music in New York? Carnegie Hall.
