Headhunters: Evolution Revolution (2003)

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: June 25, 2003

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 Bitches 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. Summers' 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.

Track Listing: Hindewhu For You; Slick It; God Made Me Funky; Headhunting; Bmp; Everything; Loft Funk; On The Shores Of Amore; Take No Prizzonerz; Gotta Be Strong; Woody Shaw; Fonkyfried; Martell On The Rocks; Nutcracker; Yekola; Evolution Revolution.

Personnel: Mike Clark: Drums; Paul Jackson Bass; Bill Summers: Percussion; Ronald Markham: Keyboards; Nicholas Payton: Trumpet; Victor Atkins: Piano; Donald Harrison: Saxophones; George Porter, Jr.: Vocals.

Record Label: Basin Street Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream