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The Charlie Hunter Trio performs "Run For It"

Sometimes a musician comes along whose approach is so novel, and his playing so superior, that even jaded music buffs walk away a little stunned and freely start calling him a genius. Charlie Hunter is one of those rare talents. Playing a beautiful mutt of an instrument with fanned frets that allow him to hold down low bass lines while improvising all over the high notes on a guitar, Hunter creates a sound that’s uniquely his own. While his playing is technically revolutionary that’s not to say he doesn’t groove like a mofo—especially when he starts scat singing over top of his bubbling B-3 inspired lines. Hunter has been spreading his reputation by performing over 200 shows a year and by stepping in to lend his skills to projects by everyone from jazzman Bobby Previte to pop superstar John Mayer. This show marks the debut of his new trio, featuring Erik Deutsch on Keyboards and Simon Lott on drums, as they kick off a nine city East Coast tour here in Buffalo.

Wednesday, March 21 at 8pm. The Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main Street

(852-2860). tralfmusichall.com