Search - Charlie Hunter, Chinna Smith, Ernest Ranglin :: Earth Tones

Check it out!

Sprinkla' | Fayettville, AK | 03/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a good find for Hunter fans. It is his first recording with other guitarists since T.J. Kirk and, although I would recommend those albums (2 studio, 1 live) over this one, this is classic Hunter. The Earth Tones band includes hunter on the 8-string, the other two on guitar (China on acoustic), and drums and bass. The feel is mostly Caribbean, but jazz/funk/jam fans will be happy with Hunter's new sound.



Warning: The first release of this album contains a small defect. It sounds like a small scratch on track two. Don't bother returning the cd b/c the same thing will come back in the mail. The skip is almost unnoticeable, but be warned.



This album is a must for fans. For those just discovering Hunter's music, I recommend "Friends Seen and Unseen" and "Right Now Move." All of his albums are good, but these have been my favorite so far. "Copperopolis" is worth checking out as well if you want to hear CH rock out."

Charlie Hunter's most under-appreciated album?

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 09/04/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For some unknown reason, "Earth Tones" seems to fly under the radar. At the time of review, this fantastic recording had been out for two years with only a single review. Shame! In this environment, Hunter plays rock and reggae infused jazz with two accomplished Jamaican guitarists. While Charlie Hunter had previously released "Natty Dread," this stands as a unique project. The band consists of guitarists Earl "Chinna" Smith (Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear & Black Uhuru) and Ernest Ranglin (Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley & Sonny Rollins). The rhythm section is backed by Shawn Pelton and percussionist Manolo Badrena. So the group is composed of three guitar players with one of them being famous for sounding like multiple musicians?! Is this a T.J. Kirk flashback? No, but like T.J. Kirk, this formula works surprisingly well. Smith and Ranglin play alternate cuts while the rest of the group holds the fort down. The entire album sparkles. The band plays a good balance of covers and originals. Peter Tosh's 'One Foundation' is accompanied by The Heptones' 'I've Got The Handle.' The most unexpected selection may be Edie Brickell & New Bohemians' 'What I Am.' The effort features a pleasant balance of relaxed reggae vibes and cookin' rockers. While technically not a Charlie Hunter album, his sound is dominant enough to make the listener forget that he shares the billing with Smith and Ranglin. While you probably haven't heard too many people rave about "Earth Tones," it's only because they haven't listened to it . . . yet.

"