Search - Charlie Hunter :: Mistico

High Energy and Great Songs!

Kevin Currie-Knight | Newark, Delaware | 08/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If someone who knew nothing of jazz used this as their introduction, I doubt they would have an easy time putting their finger on exaclty what jazz is. I don't think that they would be clear on how jazz qualifies as a genre, rather than a very loosely hanging amalgomation of every type of musical sound imaginable.



This, though, is meant as the highest compliment to Chalie Hunter and his trio. This CD is so dang eclectic that it is very hard not to find tons of things to love (and only a few not to love) in this disc.



First and foremost, Charlie has found his groove. The last few albums have been all over the place and, at least to me, the tracks often felt contrived. Here, though, the trio plays with so much spirit and engergy that I find myself wishing I were in the room.



Lady! is an appropriate leading track, giving us a "lounge" feel with a sharp and gritty edge. From there we get a few really good rockers - Speakers Built In and Balls (with a bashing drum solo that is unrelenting and, unfortunately, quite unmelodic).



And there is some good stuff for the fusion lovers. Wizard Sleeve and Drop a Dime are what Tony Williams Lifetime would sound like in 2007. But one of the biggest winners on the CD is the track that, on first listen, is the most out of place - a heavy ballad (reminiscent of EST and Bad Plus called Estranged.



The last thing to mention is the unique recording. I am quite sure it is all analog and live. The playing is loose and fluid (bordering on a very pleasant sloppiness). The keyboard is, I believe, one of those old Casio's that, believe it or not, only comes off as occasionally cheesy (the rest of the time, very appropriate to the unique feel of the record).



You can tell that when this record was recorded, it was done with big ear-to-ear smiles by all involved. Really good, thoroughly unique, and absolutely, listenable fun!



"

Well worth the wait

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 09/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For months now, I've been listening to live shows of this band with two deeply held aspirations. First, I've been wishing that the group would play in my town and second, I've hoped for an album. (We never did get a trio album from the charmed Hunter, Chopek and Lovejoy trio.) While this group hasn't played in my town, here's the long awaited album. One out of two ain't bad. Why do I love this group? As with "Mistico," my favorite Hunter work has been in environments without brass. In this trio, Hunter is accompanied by drummer Simon Lott and one of the most exciting keyboardists these days, Erik Deutsch. This is a rock friendly excursion. Hunter is in top form as much of his lead work reflects a fresh phrasing style. He employs his typical arsenal of effects and sonic trickery to maximize the psychedelia and funk factor. The anthemic 'Speakers Built In' is one of the best songs that I've heard since I can remember. It is catchy and rockin' -it offers complete listening satisfaction. Other highlights include 'Wizard Sleeve' and 'Chimp Gut.' While the rockin' tunes may be the most compelling, songs like 'Mistico' 'Drop a Dime' and 'Estranged' offer a relaxed breather. So was it worth the wait? Absolutely. That written, I believe that "Mistico" could have been better. Compared to the live sets, some of this material sounds a little over produced and many tunes were abbreviated. I also would have preferred for Erik Deutsch to get some more time in the spotlight. All in all, "Mistico" stands as a deeply satisfying experience."

Just what you need to hear in the middle of a long dry summe

Karen McDaniel | Kettering, Maryland | 08/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very fluid, lively, and unusual in the same way that his other CDs are unusual yet familiar--this makes sense to fans. Charlie Hunter still does not fit into a standard box--I am happy to report."