Herbie Hancock Headhunters
Sony Jazz 1973 CK65123
By Russell Garwood
The originality of Headhunters makes it just as fresh now as when it was released in 1973; this is Herbie Hancock at his best. Featuring Bennie Maupin on reeds, Paul Jacksons funky bass, Bill Summers on percussion and drummer Harvey Mason, Headhunters is responsible for defining and popularising funk.
Opening with the cool bass-groove of Chameleon (which will lodge itself in your head for hours) and followed by an amazing ARP synth solo, Headhunters brilliantly showcases Herbie Hancocks skill on the piano. The new version of Watermelon Man with its African influences sees Hancock moving in a distinctly more jazzy direction. Sly, dedicated to the legendary Sly Stone, again has a worldly feel to it with both sax and Rhodes solos, while closing song Vein Melter finishes the album with a more relaxed, but no less funky feel.
This 20-bit remastered release is extremely well produced, showing Hancocks technical ability to its full extent on one of the most influential albums of his long career. Headhunters is an excellent album for both jazz fans and those new to the genre. For me, as for so many others, this was the first jazz album I owned so if youre interested in expanding your musical taste, or in just hearing a genius at work, this is an excellent album to begin with
Sony Jazz 1973 CK65123
By Russell Garwood
The originality of Headhunters makes it just as fresh now as when it was released in 1973; this is Herbie Hancock at his best. Featuring Bennie Maupin on reeds, Paul Jacksons funky bass, Bill Summers on percussion and drummer Harvey Mason, Headhunters is responsible for defining and popularising funk.
Opening with the cool bass-groove of Chameleon (which will lodge itself in your head for hours) and followed by an amazing ARP synth solo, Headhunters brilliantly showcases Herbie Hancocks skill on the piano. The new version of Watermelon Man with its African influences sees Hancock moving in a distinctly more jazzy direction. Sly, dedicated to the legendary Sly Stone, again has a worldly feel to it with both sax and Rhodes solos, while closing song Vein Melter finishes the album with a more relaxed, but no less funky feel.
This 20-bit remastered release is extremely well produced, showing Hancocks technical ability to its full extent on one of the most influential albums of his long career. Headhunters is an excellent album for both jazz fans and those new to the genre. For me, as for so many others, this was the first jazz album I owned so if youre interested in expanding your musical taste, or in just hearing a genius at work, this is an excellent album to begin with
