Punched up, let down, and sweetened

There are many virtuoso guitarists in the jazz world, starting from pioneering trailblazers like Wes Montgomery, Django Reinhardt and Joe Pass, to today's A-list which would include Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton, John Scofield and Mike Stern.

All undoubtedly brilliant in their own way but few had or have the technique and musical sensibilities of Charlie Hunter, who simultaneously plays basslines, rhythm and solos on his custom-made seven and eight-string guitars.

On Everybody Has a Plan (EHAP), title courtesy of a quote by boxer Mike Tyson, Hunter's abilities are admirably showcased as he returns to using an 8-string - along with his quirky sense of humour when it comes to song titles. These titles include (Looks Like) Somebody Got Ahead Of Schedule On Their Medication; (Wish I Was) Already Paid and On My Way Home and Who Put You Behind the Wheel? - all imbued with a jazzy, funky style that marked most of Hunter's previous 16 studio albums.