Charlie Hunter
Charlie Hunter is a guitarist, producer and composer celebrated for his innovative approach to the guitar. He gained widespread recognition for his unique style of playing an eight-string guitar, which he custom-designed, allowing him to simultaneously play bass lines, melodies, and chords. Hunter currently plays 6 and 7 string guitars made by Hybrid Guitars Co. Hybrid Guitars was founded in 2015 when he teamed up with luthiers Clay Conner and Wes Lambe to produce fanned-fret instruments to his specifications.
Hunter's eclectic style seamlessly blends elements of jazz, funk, blues, and rock, creating a sound that is distinctly his own. His mastery of the guitar and his ability to navigate complex rhythms have earned him acclaim from both critics and fellow musicians alike.
Over the course of his career, Hunter has released numerous solo albums and collaborated with a diverse array of artists. He is known for his improvisational prowess, often captivating audiences with his spontaneous compositions and improvisations.
During the 2019 pandemic, Hunter turned his attention towards music production and long-distance collaborations. This led to the creation of Wheelhouse Beats, a groundbreaking metronome app featuring some of today’s most notable drummers. Furthermore, Hunter founded SideHustle Records, his personal record label and artist development house. As a staunch advocate for artist rights, he gained control of his master recordings, which he subsequently remastered and reissued. SideHustle Records’ artist development house is committed to nurturing emerging talent. Occasionally teaming up with The Little Village Foundation, a non-profit organization known for its dedication to promoting and preserving diverse cultural expressions, Hunter works to amplify new voices and talents and build a more inclusive music community. His various collaborations are instrumental in escalating the careers of many budding artists, further establishing his reputation as a producer, collaborator and mentor.
As a defining force in contemporary jazz, funk, and blues, his work with SuperBlue, alongside vocalist Kurt Elling, has received critical praise for its electrifying fusion of jazz, funk, and groove-driven improvisation. In recent years, Hunter has been touring extensively, with notable appearances at major international festivals, venues and performing arts centers.
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 Kiefer, Carrtoons, and Nate Smith, further showcasing his ability to fuse genres and push musical boundaries.
Hunter has three major releases slated for 2025
Different Strokes for Different Folks – a duo album with the guitarist-composer Ella Feingold that explores the intricate harmonic & rhythmic interplay and dynamic musical conversations between two friends.
A 1966 Fender Mustang Songbook – A deeply personal project featuring Hunter on the Fender Mustang guitar, with composer-percussionist Bobby Previte on drums and Dave Hofstra on bass.
A collaborative album with Andy Randazzo, Corey Fonville, and DJ Harrison of Butcher Brown, fusing deep grooves with contemporary jazz and funk.
