Charlie Hunter - Copperopolis (Dig)
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Artist: Charlie Hunter Title: Copperopolis (Dig) Label: Rope-a-Dope UPC: 020286206026 Price: $9.98 |
Charlie Hunter - Copperopolis (Dig) Track Listing
1 - Cueball Bobbin... (c.hunter)
2 - Frontman (c.hunter)
3 - Swamba Redux ( c.hunter / j.ellis )
4 - Copperopolis (c.hunter)
5 - Blue Sock (c.hunter)
6 - The Pursuit Package (c. hunter / d. phillips)
7 - A street fight could break out (c.hunter)
8 - Drop the rock (c. hunter)
9 - Think Of One (thelonius monk)
About Charlie Hunter - Copperopolis (Dig)
As impressive as Charlie Hunter's mastery of his eight-string guitar is, it may not be as strong a mark of distinction as his success in devising an original jazz-funk sound in a genre long ruled by guitarist John Scofield. Since arriving on the scene from San Francisco in the mid-'90s, Hunter has gotten stuck in a rut or two, but as efforts like Copperopolis demonstrate, he has the rare ability to renew his sound. Recorded in New Orleans, a setting reflected by an unlikely second line take on Thelonious Monk's "Think of One," the album may be his most appealingly varied. Hunter and his regular cohorts, tenor saxist John Ellis and drummer Derrek Phillips, thrive on the usual shimmering grooves and sonic embellishments, but with Ellis adding melodica and Wutrlitzer to his bop-fueled attack, they attain a lighter, more coloristic quality. And when Hunter forgoes the textural touches to lay into a blues riff, lean and mean, they rock harder than ever. It's thinking man's fusion music for listeners who want more instant gratification than they can get from the jam-band scene. --Lloyd Sachs
Charlie Hunter - Copperopolis (Dig) Reviews
Average Rating: 4.5
Rating: 3
I have to agree with another reviewer here that Copperopolis lacks the attention to composition that the majority of his previous releases have possessed. If this were a live release, it would be a suitable representation of Charlie and the band's improvisation skills, not to mention their ability to crank it up and rock. But, the jams really don't gel for me. Another issue with Copperopolis is the sound quality. This is far and away the most poorly recorded release from Charlie. Good performances can always overcome mediocre recording, but the combination of unfocused playing and murky sound make Copperopolis Charlie's weakest CD. Having finished slagging this one, let me say that I'll go right out and buy Charlie's next release. Charlie Hunter remains one of far too few adventurous and engaging contemporary jazz artists making music for the head and heart as well as for the groove.
PS check out Charlie's CD "Charlie Hunter" (Blue Note) for superb arrangements, fiery performances, and a sparkling recording that puts the listener right next to the band.
Rating: 3
I'm a huge fan of Charlie Hunter. I've seen him live 3 times, and own just about all of his CD's. He's a great musician and i really respect him
Copperopolis fell short for me. It doesn't seem like it was well thought out. Seems as though the band just walked into the studio, jammed a bit...and that's what the CD is. WHile i think a few songs are pretty good, over all this one doesn't measure up to my standards in CH's music.
It does seem that he's putting out a lot of new records each year, which is a good thing, but i think if he could spend some more time developing the albums, rather than just having a quick turnaround, it'd result in a better product.
I'd lvoe for him to do another album like Songs From teh Analog Playground again. I still have that one in my rotation.
Keep on playin Charlie!!!
Rating: 5
Hunter fans should definitely pick this up. Like all of his albums, his live sound is very nicely captured on this disk. I must say that, although I am a big fan of John Ellis on the sax and clarinet etc., I don't much care for him on keys. Besides getting stuck with the electric piano blocking my view the last time I saw them live, I think Ellis should stick with his stronger talents. Otherwise, this album is a must, especially for fans. If your new to Charlie Hunter, I'd check out "Friends Seen and Unseen" or "Right Now Move."
Rating: 4
"Copperopolis" by Charlie Hunter is yet another good solid outing from the jazz guitarist's trio.
The music here is very hip and cool. The music is upbeat for the most part. It's good driving jazz.
Charlie Hunter sounds like the Jimi Hendrix of jazz guitar at times. The amount of sounds that the trio produces is very impressive.
Overall it's really good music. There are only a few songs that don't work for me.
Charlie Hunter consistently puts out good (occasionally great) albums. This one's good.
Rating: 5
This album and the Trio are at a peak! Jazz reviewers rave about this album and with good reason. Hunter, Ellis and Phillips have pooled together their talents and created something fresh and vibrant.
I saw them last night in NYC and they were alive with all the things that make great music. Charlie Hunter used his ingenious eight string guitar to lay down some unbelievable licks. The sound he is able to produce on his specially made instrument go beyond anything you'll find done by other musicians.
Derreck Phillips played the drums with one hand, shook a tambourine in the other, never missed a beat and sounded like he was playing with both! I had never seen anything like it!
John Ellis and his talent on multiple instruments brought an extra dimension to the group. He is a truly original artist playing the Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Organ and his most unusal instrument, the Melodica. Together this trio is more than awesome.
This CD is a must for anyone even remotely interested in jazz music. It has elements of jazz, blues, funk and even more! It rocks! See them live if you can - you'll never forget it!
"Origianlly, they were supposed to play at an earlier time so I showed up and made my way to the very front row and waited for the show to start. I found out soon enough that the timeslot had been switched and Ice Cube came walking out on stage instead. ..."