 It's
been nearly a decade since Charlie Hunter
collaborated with other guitarists (the
great T.J. Kirk band of the mid-'90s).
Hunter got together with legendary Jamaican
guitarists Ernest Ranglin and Chinna Smith
for an easygoing set of (mostly) covers
that largely tread the kind of Jamaican-flavored
jazz that Ranglin's been known for for
years. There are some reggae and dub elements
here and there, but you'd be hard-pressed
to call it a reggae album. Recorded with
very few overdubs, the cooperative arrangements
are perfect, with plenty of space for everyone
and the players almost finishing each other's
thoughts. Hunter's guitar always has a
bit of Leslie effect on it (remember, he's
throwing down the basslines at the same
time!), Chinna sticks to acoustic, and
Ranglin plays with his trademark clean
electric sound, so it's really easy to
pick out who's doing what and compare their
different styles. Ranglin's fluid melodic
lines contrast nicely with Smith, who makes
some surprising yet wonderful note choices
and wild intervalic leaps in his solos.
Sharing the spotlight, there's less of
Hunter's soloing than on his "proper" albums,
but his playing is always fantastic and
he lays down some big fat basslines. Drummer
Shawn Pelton is ultra-supportive on drums
and contributes tasteful drum programming
that sometimes bubbles up from underneath,
while session percussionist Manolo Badrena
adds just the right accents. This album
has the casual feel of a one-off affair,
but that certainly doesn't mean it's any
less enjoyable than Hunter's myriad other
projects. In fact, this would have to rank
right up there with his best, although
one wouldn't necessarily consider this
a Charlie Hunter project; it's a true collaboration.
Regardless, putting these guys together
was a stroke of genius. ~ Sean Westergaard,
All Music Guide
|
