Mistico

CHARLIE HUNTER TRIO: Mistico
Fantasy, 2007

THUMPING JAZZ-ROCK – 7-string guitarist Hunter has a new sound for this release, replacing his trio’s usual sax chair with keyboards. The up numbers sound like a really good bar band from the future, getting down & dirty with a sharp-edged blend of jazz, blues and rock. But there are also some surprising interludes. Fun, forward-thinking music.

It all works. Fo’s Picks: 2, 5, 6, maybe 7 & 8

1. 5:52 – heavy, dirty, blues-rockin’ lope: strutting guitar, cutesy keys
2. 6:19 – catchy soul-rocker; quiet breaks, rocks out, gets spacey, great end
3. 5:02 – low, moody twang & piano over a clattery shuffle; sad atmosphere
4. 4:56 – another dirty rocker: big thumping drum solo, turns psychedelic
5. 5:06 – quirky & funky fusion with sci-fi touches, cool spacey middle section
6. 4:38 – relaxed head-nodder, expressive bluesy guitar, Casio break!
7. 3:37 – fast & tense, with three scattery drum/percussion diversions
8. 5:40 – funky groove vs. cute riff, silly but appealing in an odd way
9. 7:33 – quiet atmosphere, takes a stroll through Creeptown, big ending
10. 4:51 – midtempo bizarro-blues with an optimistic feel, gritty guitar solo

[ Fo ] 4-Oct-07