Wielding an eight-string custom combination of bass and guitar as his weapon of choice, Charlie Hunter and his trio will march into Chelsea’s Thursday night displaying his brand of unique melody and virtuoso chops.
The guitar design was brought to fruition by Novax Guitars and has been adapted by other artists such as John Mayer.
“It’s a constantly evolving instrument,” Hunter said of the guitar he designed. “I’m always learning new things about it and revising my playing.”
Evolution is a running theme with Hunter. Whether it’s his musical style, the members of his band or the instrument he brings on stage, keeping things new is how Charlie Hunter lives as a musician.
Hunter’s music has been defying labels for more than 10 years. With nine albums to his credit, he is an established, respected artist who has kept his ear to the underground by constantly changing the people with whom he plays.
“It’s so hard to put the music we do into words,” Hunter said. “I’d have to say we’re rooted in jazz and blues, but there is a lot of Latin and Brazilian flavor to it as well. And I play a version of a guitar, so that sensibility gets added as well.”
Hunter’s ninth album, “Right Now Move,” is a prime example of the musical melting pot and the evolution. Recorded entirely on the last day of a three-day session, every track is a first take. This form of recording gave way to a vibrant, innovative and improvisational style that is lost in the process of digital layering and multiple attempts at a song.
“Part of my theory about music is that too much of today’s popular music has become two-dimensional,” Hunter said. “I want my music to be 3-D, reflective of the reality we live in, something for real people to relate to who live in a real community.”
Hunter recently adapted his musical style to his evolving tastes, expanding his musical arsenal by adding the national instrument of Brazil, the pandeiro.
“Most people think it’s just a tambourine, but it’s actually a little different,” Hunter said. “It’s got a tunable head and drier jingles, among other things. I just wish I had time to spend learning everything it can do.”
Hunter said the show will be a lively performance that an audience can immerse itself in.
“We try to have a fully inclusive musical experience,” he said. “The audience becomes an integral part of the performance by being active listeners and giving us cues.”
The show is Thursday at Chelsea’s at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the 18 and older show, and doors open at 9 p.m. For more information call Chelsea’s at 387-3679.