Innovative and influential, Head Hunters (1973) redefines the standards of jazz fusion, Herbie Hancock created a revolutionary album
Released in 1973, Head Hunters is one of Herbie Hancock’s most influential albums, marking a major shift toward the fusion of jazz and funk. This groundbreaking album is famous for its innovative use of electronic keyboards and synthesizers, as well as its incorporation of funky grooves and complex rhythms. After Sextant, Herbie Hancock made another use of synthesizer, and the brilliant and huge hit Chameleon will blow your mind with the blowing thing.
Few words about the record
Chameleon, the opening track, became an instant classic, thanks to its memorable bassline and catchy structure. The album also includes a reinterpretation of Watermelon Man” an iconic Hancock composition, reimagined here with African percussion and avant-garde sound effects. Head Hunters was not only a commercial success, becoming one of the first jazz albums to reach a wide audience, but it also paved the way for future experimentation in jazz fusion and electronic music.
This album remains a cornerstone of Hancock’s career and a must-have for fans of jazz-funk. Critics were not so enthusiastic when it came out, but, time after time, this album is still sampled & played by funk & jazz bands, hip hop and house DJs… Influenced by Sly Stone ? In the 70s Herbie Hancock did great things, personally I also love Mwandishi in 1971 & Thrust in 1974.
Credits :
Herbie Hancock : Arp Odyssey Synthesizer – Arp Soloist Synthesizer – Fender Rhodes Electric -Hohner D 6 Clavinet – Piano – Pipes
Bennie Maupin : Alto Flute – Bass Clarinet – Saxello – Soprano Saxophone – Tenor Saxophone
Bill Summers : Agogo – Balafon – Beer Bottle – Cabasa – Congas – Gankoqui – Hindewho – Log Drum – Shekere – Surdo
Paul Jackson : Electric Bass – Marimbula.
Harvey Mason : Yamaha Drums.
Produced by David Rubinson and Herbie Hancock for David Rubinson & Friends, Inc.Recorded at Wally Heider Studios, San Francisco.