Charlie Hunter Quartet :: Natty Dread

The Charlie Hunter Quartet’s track-by-track cover of Bob Marley’s 1974 classic Natty Dread probably shouldn’t work, but somehow the sublimely talented soul jazz guitarist and his group pull it off. Rather than staying faithful to the sound of Marley’s reggae standard, Hunter captures the joy and exuberance of the music. Mixing in salsa, jazz-funk, high-life and blues, Hunter’s quartet turn what might have been a polite tribute into an explosive celebration. It should be on every summer playlist.