Charlie Hunter

"Charlie Hunter – Natty Dread – Blue Note

The impact of Bob Marley and The Wailers on all kinds of music was immense.Jazz though was slow to take on board the music. What jazz as been made around reggae music as come from Jamaica itself. Ernest Ranglin being the most notable exponent. Charlie Hunter is the real deal though. A Jazz musician a guitarist – who records for Blue Note.'Natty Dread' from the Wailers is full of rhythm and melodic ideas – and is probably the album that broke the band in the US. It makes a lot of sense to do a set of cover versions to this set. And the result is remarkable. Most of the tracks are notched up a little on the tempo – giving them an almost swing time - Yet its the melodies more than anything else that Charlie Hunter finds interesting. And the fact that its probably the first album from Jazz music with a connection to reggae music – makes it special. Others have dabbled with a track here and there – but not an whole album. A very interesting set."