Charlie Hunter likes to change up his band, so when the innovative jazz master decided to look for a new keyboardist, he hired former Boulderite (and County Road X man) Erik Deutsch. The pairing of musical minds is working great — the ex-Colorado player worked on Hunter’s 2007 CD “Mistico” and he’s featured on an upcoming release.

Hunter is all about reinventing his musical persona. The inventive jazz guitarist started out performing with Michael Franti in Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. The band even got to tour with rock icons like U2 and Primus.

However, Hunter prefers to bend the rules of music. The musician started steering his music into the jazz genre – a place where he could reinvent the rules of the format. The artist also developed his own seven-string guitar stylings that have rewritten the book on jazz guitar performance. If that wasn’t enough – Hunter has fostered several popular spin-off projects. That roster includes a stint with Garage A Trois.

Hunter is one busy player, but he always takes the time to stop off and perform for Boulder audiences. Friday, the musician and his trio hit the Boulder Theater. Opening the show is Nels Cline of Wilco fame.

“I started playing music when I was 12. I just love what I do,” said Hunter. “These days my current band is very groove-oriented – and we have Erik Deutsch playing with us. Since we played Boulder last year, we’ve been playing some very cool shows. One of the places we got to travel to is Moscow. It was a totally different culture and a very different kind of situation to be playing in. It was a great experience.”

Hunter is one artist that hates to categorize his brand of music, so Boulderites can expect some creative improvisational sessions this Friday.

“My music is so improvisational that it’s very hard to quantify,” said Hunter. “It’s just great jazz with a great sound. We can’t wait to get to Boulder. Then the fun part starts – when we get on stage and play.”

PAID DUES

Erik Deutsch paid his musical dues in Boulder, long before he played keyboards for Charlie Hunter. The talented artist studied music at CU and was an original member of the Boulder experimental jazz band Fat Mama. Deutsch was a regular on the Boulder/Denver improv and jazz scene, and he’s played with everyone from DeVotchKa to The Motet. The musician also fronted the Boulder band County Road X.

A few years ago Deutsch relocated to the music-friendly borough of Brooklyn, New York. The musician works on his own projects in the city and plays as a sideman for both Hunter and the Erin McKeown Band. Now, Deutsch is getting ready to return to the Boulder Theater with Hunter’s Trio.

“I moved to Brooklyn in 2004,” said Deutsch. “I had never planned to stay forever in Boulder; it seemed like the time to move. I have a lot of friends in Brooklyn and I have my own band there.”

Deutsch started working with Hunter two years ago and says he’s enjoyed the ride.

“It’s been wonderful working with Charlie,” said Deutsch. “I couldn’t imagine a better job in the music business. Charlie’s worked hard to be at that level and he plays a certain unique brand of jazz. It’s been great performing with him – we play all kinds of venues. One day we’ll play a jazz club, the next we’ll be at a rock theatre, and then we’ll play a large festival. It’s a different crowd every night. But, I’m really excited to come back and play Boulder.”

LOVIN’ THE FREE MUSIC!

Shoegazer rock alert — Film School is coming to Denver this week. The band was created by front man Greg Bertens in the late 90’s, but the act is making a comeback as a brand-new outfit.

The Film School players went through hell and back when they released “The Hideout” in 2007. However, that hasn’t stopped Bertens from performing his sonic blast of music. Check this out — after the CD came out, the band’s van and instruments were stolen. As if that wasn’t enough, Bertens was jumped outside a club in Ohio.

The misadventures took its toll on the band, several members left, and Bertens had to re-vamp Film School.

“We’re living in L.A. now, so we’re officially an L.A. band,” joked Bertens. “After ‘The Hideout’ came out, it was a rough year for the band. We did get the van back, but in the end it wasn’t working for anyone. Now we’re back with new sonic elements to the band. We’re really bringing out the experimental aspects of Film School. We’re now playing music that’s more psychedelic and sonic.”

Sunday you can hear Film School’s sonic, shoegaze music at a free Larimer Lounge music festival in Denver. The all-day show starts at 11 a.m. and runs until the early a.m. hours. The free indie rock roster features sets by Film School, Ascaris, Moonspeed, Mothership, American Relay, Ghost Buffalo, Reno Divorce and more. Yes, it’s all free!