THE HERBIE HANCOCK GROUP: HEAD HUNTERS

You don't have to be a jazz fan to enjoy the instantly addictive sound to Head Hunters, which grabs hold with funky grooves and doesn't let go. Listeners coming here for rock fusion will probably be (delightfully) disappointed, since this album is like pure, liquefied 1973, dripping syrupy sweet , moody jams which at once both tickle with camp and beg the listener to explore further-- where they'll discover finely polished musicianship and genuine class.

The first track alone gives the listener some of the most rewarding grooves I've ever heard. Jackson's now-famous bass line will appeal to everyone's sense of rhythm, and some of the choruses make me want to stand up and shout. The real good stuff, though, are the numerous solos and transisions between. We're given outstanding organ, synthesizer, and woodwind solos, with moody, intricate rhytm from drums and bass. Tempos are predominantly slow, lending a mellow feel to the album, but things do cook on the upbeat Sly, where Maupin delivers some frantic sax playing with shimmering percussion behind. The whole album oozes class. Very few albums reward this balance of active listening and moody background.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 5 Lyrics/Vocals: NA Style/Emotion/Replay: 5 Head Hunters is a standout anomaly in my collection of dark metal and heavy rock, and I heartily recommend it to anyone who even half-way likes jazz; it's 40 minutes of groovy bliss and stellar musicianship.