Search - Charlie Hunter - Solo Inventions on DVD

Inspiring and definitely innovative

D. J. DiResta | Portland, OR | 09/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm glad Charlie decided to grab a few minutes from his numerous ensembles and set up a DVD to show his technique more clearly. Hunter plays an eight string guitar, with three bass strings and five guitar strings. Its made by Novax guitars, a luthier who has a patent for an ingenious fanned fret system that has gained enormous praise in the last several years. The DVD shows, in close detail, Charlie's technique and rhythmic mastery by playing bass and guitar at the same time. It baffles the mind when he decides to solo and keep up a decent walking line, all the while really feeling his music. If you enjoy funk, soul and tons of jazzy licks, this DVD is for you. It will inspire the guitarist/bassist in you and make you think differently about your instrument and what you can do with it."

Great solo guitar performance.

Alexandrine Wiese | Los Angeles, California United States | 06/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This solo guitar performance is awesome. The production, sound quality and lighting are top notch. Charlie's playing really smokes, and his guitar sounds great. I also have his other live DVD with the full band, and I'm glad I bought this as well. There are some solo guitar performances on the other DVD, but these are improvised in new way that makes it quite educational when he performs a song again, such as "Stars Fell on Alabama". Most of the tunes are new, and they are all inspiring. Charlie varies his sound throughout, sometimes using guitar effects, and other times using a mechanical mute on the strings, always coming up with great sounds and improvisations. If you like solo guitar in the style of Joe Pass, you'll like this."

Killer Show

Danny King | Summerside, Canada | 10/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The review written two below this one is more of a polemic against Hunter than a proper assessment of this program, Mark Twain paraphrase notwithstanding. In fact, SOLO Inventions is a wonderfully crafted show, well-shot and a fine showcase for Hunter's unique talents. Highly recommended."

Are you a guitar aficianado?

The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 12/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Solo Inventions" gives guitar aficionados what they've always wanted: Charlie Hunter, playing his freak of a guitar with plenty of close-ups. This stripped down program features Hunter playing his Novax guitar, solo electric. A year after "Solo Inventions," Hunter removed the top string and currently plays a modified seven string guitar. Thus this DVD reminisces the eight string incarnation that most fans think of when Charlie Hunter comes to mind. The production's audio and video is excellent. Things are kept bare-bones and simple. A few interviews are sprinkled throughout. During such times, Charlie shares his philosophy and inspiration. Charlie Hunter's typical setlist is noticeably absent. Hunter does not play any of the songs that populate most of his shows like 'Rendezvous,' 'Mean Streak,' 'Flau Flau,' 'Epistrophy' or 'Do That Then.' Instead, Charlie Hunter selects songs that specifically lend themselves to the solo electric environment. 'Oakland' may be the highlight. Given the lack of a band, "Solo Inventions" is not for the causal fan. "Right Now Live" is a better DVD for most viewers. In addition to playing with a full group, "Right Now Live" also features four solo electric songs. For those wanting an educational, yet entertaining look at Charlie Hunter, "Solo Inventions" delivers."