Charlie Hunter/Scott Amendola Duo

The year is 1993, July 3rd to be exact, 10am to be even more exact. Charlie Hunter called up Scott Amendola (at Kenny Brooks’ recommendation, after hearing him at a local jam session in San Francisco), to fill in for his drummer who had double-booked himself that night. They had a great conversation.

That evening, the connection was made that continues now into 2025, over 30 years later.

The musical chemistry is obvious and runs deep. They spent several years on the road in Charlie’s trio, quartet, and Pound for Pound band. In 1995, their other band, T.J. Kirk, was nominated for a Grammy. The duo would happen only in the Bay Area, opening for various out of town artists, or playing at little restaurants like the long gone A La Carte in Berkeley, or clubs. They did a monthly run at the legendary Paradise Lounge. Charlie moved east in 1997, and right before he left, the last Bay Area show he did was with Scott in duo at The Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz.

In March of 2010, Scott asked Charlie to play at The Stone in NY. That was the re-birth of their duo. They decided to hit the road, and then hit the studio. Not Getting Behind Is The New Getting Ahead, was the first release featuring all of Charlie’s tunes. Then Pucker, featuring all of Scott’s tunes. Followed by a CD of all covers with music by Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Hank Williams, and The Cars.

The playfulness, joy, and mastery of their instruments makes for a unique, fun, and engaging time with the duo. “It’s always s been amazing whenever we play, but it keeps growing, getting more intuitive,” Scott says. “What Charlie does is so uncanny. When you watch him play, it’s hard to understand what he’s doing, but when you close your eyes it’s so beautiful and deep and compelling.”

*Photo credit: Lenny Gonzalez

Tickets are $30 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin