One of Cleveland’s most popular jazz pianists will grace the Jazz Bungalow in Columbus this Wednesday November 16th. Joe brings local bassist Roger Hines and drummer Aaron Scott together for a 7pm show. Joe will also be performing at Dick’s Den that same night. Joe Hunter is a favorite at many Tri-C JazzFest events and is the co-host with Bill Rudman of the very popular “The Song is You” series. He has taught with the Tri-C Jazz Studies Program for several years and is a popular performer throughout the greater Cleveland area including such nightspots as Nighttown and the Inn at Turner’s Mill. Joe is also a featured player with Ernie Krivda’s Fat Tuesday Big Band. He has also performed with many national artists including Conti Condoli, David “Fathead” Newman, Tito Puente, Eddie Henderson, and Scott Hamilton.
Surrounded by all this music, Hunter began playing piano when he was only 8 or 9 years old. He said, “I studied first with Judy Strauss and later with Bill Gidney.” Hunter traces his early interest in music back to the influence of his parents who were not musicians, but great fans.
“There was a wonderful record collection in my parents’ house,” said Hunter, “a really wide range of great American music that, as I matured and grew, I could discover, everything from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, West Coast, Buddy Collette, and Chico Hamilton to Ornette Coleman. There was also live music. They would have parties and they would always invite a friend who would play.”
After experimenting over the years with a variety of jazz styles, Hunter seems to have found his personal groove. “I like toe-tapping music,” he said. “I like it to make me feel good, physically.” More from the interview with Joe can be found here.
Check out Joe Hunter live with Dallas Coffey and Paul Samuels:
Joe Hunter Trio Live
Bungalow Jazz, Columbus Ohio
November 16th, 7pm
Suggested Donation of $15
2539 East Fifth Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43219