Herbie Hancock - Head Hunters
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Artist: Herbie HancockBrand: HANCOCK,HERBIE
Edition: Music CD
Format: Original recording remastered
Published: 1997
CD Release Date: 1997-03-25
Music Label: Sony
Soundtracks:
- Chameleon
- Watermelon Man
- Sly
- Vein Melter
Free Music Notes for Head Hunters
Free Music Review: I dare you to find a more addictive album
Hit: 5 Stars
This album was my first experience with Herbie Hancock's solo work. I knew his work with the Davis quintet well; albums like "Miles Smiles" showcase his acoustic piano genius at full throttle. I had no clue what I was getting into when I found this gem at a used record store (in the bargain bin?!?!?!).
The album opens with one of the greatest bass lines ever conceived, and instantly the listener is thrown head-first into the funky head-bobbing grandeur of "Chameleon". For me, this was one of those rare musical moments in which I instantly fell deeply in love with everything I was hearing. The rhythm section of drummer Harvey Mason and bassist Paul Jackson lay down the fat, dense jazz-funk that would become the standard for 70's fusion and beyond. Mason's drums sound a little dated with that punchy, muffled 70's tone, but in a good way; it's oh so characteristic and wonderful to the ears, and the man is a beast of a drummer. "Chameleon" transitions from a danceable hard funk piece with some mighty playing from Herbie and saxophonist Bennie Maupin into a more ethereal fusion-jazz mode featuring one of the most subtle and irresistable bass licks I've ever heard. It then transitions back to the funk after a glorious climax, and the track fades out with Maupin once again soloing like a madman.
"Watermelon Man" begins with what I suppose could be called a beer bottle, flute, and yelping ensemble. If this sounds odd, just give it a listen and hear for yourself. Pure genius. It's probably the best known track from the album, and for good reason. Jackson throws down the groove towards the end of the intro (best bass line ever?), and from there the listener is undoubtedly grinning from ear to ear. This song was created solely for the listener to feel like the coolest person that ever lived. It is a slower, more laid-back groove than "Chameleon", and Bill Summers' auxiliary percussion is impeccable. If the first track doesn't hook you, this one will.
"Sly" may be slightly more difficult to casual listeners. It is the spaciest track on the album, and is much faster and more raucous than the rest. Herbie goes all out with the synths for some really wild effects, and Mason careens out of control in a maelstrom of polyrhythms. The structure is slightly similar to "Chameleon" in that there is an introductory section, an altered middle, and a return, but the music here is entirely different. The mid-tempo space-jazz introduction abruptly kicks into a Latin fusion section with some powerful jamming between the group. Not a note by any player is overlooked by any other player, and the organic development of the jam section in this song is magic to the ears. There are a lot of overdubbed parts, both subtle and apparent, on much of this album, but the majority of "Sly" focuses more on the group's uncanny ability to improvise.
The album's closer, "Vein Melter", is a truly beautiful piece. Herbie showcases his knack for texture with some gorgeous synth arrangements, and Jackson's bass is downright comforting. The track fades out exactly as it begins, with little more than a sneaky bass drum, and in between lies quite a romantic, dreamy song. Maupin is also in top form, playing only what he needs to. The song serves as the perfect closer to the record, capping off the jammed-out enthusiasm of the first three tracks with a peaceful goodnight of sorts.
If you're already a fan of Herbie's stuff, this record should be proudly displayed in your collection. If you're new, it's the perfect place to start. The grooves on this album are classic and unmistakably Herbie, and if you've got any musical sense at all, this one likely won't leave your stereo for some time.
Head Hunters Poster
No Description AvailableNo Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: HANCOCK,HERBIE
Title: HEADHUNTERS
Street Release Date: 03/25/1997
Genre: JAZZ
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