Jazz Articles about Headhunters

The Headhunters

by Lawrence Peryer
November 26, 2022

Back in the early '70s, drummer Mike Clark and bassist Paul Jackson were best friends living in East Oakland, playing flatbed gigs at Black Panther rallies, and generally raising hell. Cooking was not their forte, so the barbecue joint next door became a hangout. Mrs. Jones (of Everett and Jones) asked them to write a song to promote the spot, and they came up with the first version of “God Made Me Funky." Bill Summers worked with Jackson at the ...

Headhunters: On Top: Live in Europe

by Mark F. Turner
October 31, 2008

It's been said that true funk can be imitated but never duplicated. But in the case of the Headhunters's 2 CD live recording On Top, the band--named after Herbie Hancock's 1973 groundbreaking release, Head Hunters (Columbia)--continues to uphold the groove. Master percussionist Bill Summers, one of the original members since the 1970s, has kept the essence of Hancock's music alive through various releases including 2003's Evolution Revolution (Basin Street Records). Recorded in Paris, France, this live document ...

Headhunters: Evolution Revolution

by C. Michael Bailey
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 ...