The Headhunters have the previous distinction of being the strongest early component of
Herbie
Hancock’s slick vision of jazz-fusion coupled with popular sensibilities. The band’s association with
Hancock resulted in 1973’s Head Hunters, a disc that outsold the previously invincible Bitch’s
Brew by Miles Davis. HeadHunters represented the apex of Hancock’s fusion vision and the
band, subsequently known as the Headhunters, was to return for four additional recordings by the
pianist.
As a "solo" act, the Headhunters have also met with some commercial success .
Return of the Headhunters (1998) and Survival of the Fittest (2001) were both critically
well received. In early 2002, the Headhunters joined the ranks of Basin Street Records, partially, I
am sure, because of Bill Summers’ association with Los Hombres Calientes.
The present incarnation of the Headhunters retains only Bill Summers and Paul Jackson from
the original band. Summer’s participation in Los Hombres Calientes is evident in the overall tone
and mood of the recording. That is, both bands produce infectious, well-produced and performed
brands of jazz (albeit of different genres). These tunes mostly are funk-inflected contemporary jazz
with
touches of Maceo Parker and James Brown, usually based on simple grooves in a
rhythm section made for supporting short and tasteful soloing. Some jazzheads are on hand—
Nicholas Payton, Irvin Mayfield—plus former Headhunters Harvey Mason and Bennie Maupin.
The Headhunters are above all fun. This is very listenable and danceable music that is
sure to
dovetail well with the labelmates of the Band.
For more information see
Basin Street Records.
~ C. Michael Bailey
