ALBUM REVIEWS

CHARLIE HUNTER QUARTET

“Ready . . . Set . . . Shango!”

Blue Note

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You may remember the jerk, the Watusi or even the crazy chicken. But do you recall the dance craze known as the shango? No? It’s the invention of guitarist Charlie Hunter, and it is this mythical dance craze of his own making that gives shape to his combo’s latest recording. As such, its provides fertile ground for a variety of rhythmic variations that Hunter, saxophonists Dave Ellis and Calder Spanier and drummer Scott Amedola explore with wit, punch and sympathetic interplay.

Hunter, playing eight-string guitar, provides both bass and lead lines. Though there were times on his previous album (and in live performance) when these dual roles seemed to wrestle with each other, Hunter has refined his technique so that his bass and lead now come together hand in glove. Using a variety of tones from his instrument, including one that gives the group a distinct, organ-trio sound, Hunter bops, rocks and boogies over blues, backbeat and Latin-flavored pieces. The blend of Ellis’ tenor and Spanier’s alto gives the group a big sound. Still, there’s no resorting to horn section riffing or other lame embellishment. And the sax solos often go far afield of the usual, contemporary play, giving the disc avant-garde touches. Despite its playful concept, “Shango!” marks Hunter as a serious composer and player, one destined to open new ears to improvisational music.

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