The June 8 edition of Greasy Tracks featured the just-released JUBU (Little Village Foundation) by guitarist John “Jubu” Smith.
Here’s the archive, while a playlist is here.
Included in the program is an interview with guitarist Charlie Hunter who — with drummer Calvin Napper — rounded out the trio for the sessions. Guitarist Eric Gales makes a guest appearance on one of the tracks. Hunter produced the album.
Despite his reputation as an in-demand session and tour player, Hunter does not take any solos on the release. Instead, employing his guitar/bass hybrid guitar, he combines with Napper to take the rhythm section to a new level on what is an amazingly soulful, jazz-funk offering.
Jubu and Hunter both have roots in San Francisco’s East Bay. They each graduated from Berkeley High School — albeit four years apart — and then followed their musical paths around the country and the world — either leading groups of their own or playing with other artists.
Jubu spent a decade playing with Oakland-based Tony Toni Toné, backed Whitney Houston on a world tour and did time with the Philly soul outfit Maze. He also did studio work with Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, George Duke and George Benson.
In addition to a slew of solo projects, Hunter was part of The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Garage a Trois and T.J. Kirk and did session and production work with scores of other artists. He’s played on recent releases by Victoria Victoria and SuperBlue, a collaboration with Kurt Elling.