The Headhunters

From the instant funk classic Chameleon to the rare groove sound of God Make Me Funky, the Headhunters have redefined modern funk, jazz, and world music as one of the most innovative groups in history. Founded in 1973, they recorded their eponymous debut Head Hunters with Herbie Hancock. The Headhunters, legendary jazz-funk fusion band, immortalized as a result of their long recording and touring stint with jazz giant Herbie Hancock. Hancock’s Headhunters album was the first to be recorded with the group and has been heralded as the first platinum jazz/fusion project in history, featuring Bennie Maupin on the saxophone, Paul Jackson on bass, Harvey Mason on drums and Bill Summers on percussion.

Followed by Thrust, Flood, and Manchild, with Hancock, the band went on to produce some seminal funk records on their own, including Survival of the Fittest (1975, which featured the funk anthem God Make Me Funky among other tasty classics), Straight from the Gate (1976) and their latest, Evolution Revolution (2003). While Hancock’s Man-Child moved a bit towards more commercial sounds, Survival of the Fittest kept Headhunters focused to intense jazz-funk.

Vocals were heard on two songs but there was still lots of experimental fusion on the album (the band’s music is called ‘Space-Funk’ on some reissues of the album). As the 1970s turned to the 1980s, Herbie Hancock drifted away from the band as he moved into his electro-oriented phase, and they ceased operation as a visible unit. A short reunion with Hancock resulted in the album The Return of the Headhunters.

The Headhunters’ music is a complex blend of many styles and genres, including jazz, funk, African and Afro-Caribbean music. The group is notable for its pioneering use of electronic instruments and effects, as well as its innovative and dazzling rhythmic combinations. Today original Headhunters Mike Clark and Bill Summers keep up the musical heritage of this great band.