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JGuy Grungeman · 05-22-2016, 02:56 PM

Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters

Style: Jazz-Fusion, Jazz-Funk
Release: 1973
Length: 41 min.
Round: Jazz-Fusion

Recently, the jazz-rock list has been deleted in favor of the jazz-fusion list, when both were on. I think this is a bad decision. Jazz-Rock and jazz-fusion are very different, and Head Hunters is serious proof of that.

What is the difference between jazz-fusion and jazz-rock? Besides jazz influence: everything. Take the first track "Chameleon." It starts out with a bass riff that sounds EXACTLY like something from a soul-funk album. Jazz-Fusion has some influence from R&B styles like soul and funk. Jazz-rock mostly does not. Another thing to pay attention to is the song structure. The structure of jazz-fusion songs leans more towards common jazz structures, being highly instrumental. Jazz-Rock groups are ROCK BANDS. And as a result, they play rock songs with jazz instruments; usually they will have lead singers. Sure, some may not have that structure. But even Zappa's jazz rock albums have a lead singer. Basically, the differences are how much jazz influence appears in the structure of the song, and how much traditional influence (rock, pop, soul, funk, maybe folk) the jazz-fusion albums have. Even though folk may be a rare influence, it's still more traditional than a simple rock album with jazz instruments. In fact, if anything the jazz-fusion list would be the rightfully deleted one since the "rock" aspect may or may not appear.

Having said that, now I can start my actual review of the album. I think the funk aspect did an exquisitely grand job of complimenting the jazz aspects, especially during "Chameleon." "Watermelon Man" (I'm gonna say I actually love that name) starts with a very cool, eccentric beer bottle solo, takes James Brown and Sly Stone influence in a grand rerecording of his song from previous albums. "Sly's more energetic pace, backed up by sweet congas makes for a very unique track on the album, clocking in at ten minutes of hyperactive awesomeness with some slight avant-garde influence. The last track is a strange ending. "Vein Meiter" starts with marching drumming while the rest maintains a smooth essence completely contradictory to the rest of the album. And yet, the soothingness makes for a wonderful track, almost like a break from the album's energy. Perfect if you ask me, a lot of energy, and then rest. I seriously did NOT want it to end.

Overall, I think Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters is an excellent example of what Jazz should be.

100. It'll be a shame to vote it off because my jazz-rock vote's likely going to be Hot Rats.

05-22-2016, 02:56 PM	#77 (permalink)
JGuy Grungeman Primo Celebate Sexiness Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 2,662	Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters Style: Jazz-Fusion, Jazz-Funk Release: 1973 Length: 41 min. Round: Jazz-Fusion Recently, the jazz-rock list has been deleted in favor of the jazz-fusion list, when both were on. I think this is a bad decision. Jazz-Rock and jazz-fusion are very different, and Head Hunters is serious proof of that. What is the difference between jazz-fusion and jazz-rock? Besides jazz influence: everything. Take the first track "Chameleon." It starts out with a bass riff that sounds EXACTLY like something from a soul-funk album. Jazz-Fusion has some influence from R&B styles like soul and funk. Jazz-rock mostly does not. Another thing to pay attention to is the song structure. The structure of jazz-fusion songs leans more towards common jazz structures, being highly instrumental. Jazz-Rock groups are ROCK BANDS. And as a result, they play rock songs with jazz instruments; usually they will have lead singers. Sure, some may not have that structure. But even Zappa's jazz rock albums have a lead singer. Basically, the differences are how much jazz influence appears in the structure of the song, and how much traditional influence (rock, pop, soul, funk, maybe folk) the jazz-fusion albums have. Even though folk may be a rare influence, it's still more traditional than a simple rock album with jazz instruments. In fact, if anything the jazz-fusion list would be the rightfully deleted one since the "rock" aspect may or may not appear. Having said that, now I can start my actual review of the album. I think the funk aspect did an exquisitely grand job of complimenting the jazz aspects, especially during "Chameleon." "Watermelon Man" (I'm gonna say I actually love that name) starts with a very cool, eccentric beer bottle solo, takes James Brown and Sly Stone influence in a grand rerecording of his song from previous albums. "Sly's more energetic pace, backed up by sweet congas makes for a very unique track on the album, clocking in at ten minutes of hyperactive awesomeness with some slight avant-garde influence. The last track is a strange ending. "Vein Meiter" starts with marching drumming while the rest maintains a smooth essence completely contradictory to the rest of the album. And yet, the soothingness makes for a wonderful track, almost like a break from the album's energy. Perfect if you ask me, a lot of energy, and then rest. I seriously did NOT want it to end. Overall, I think Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters is an excellent example of what Jazz should be. 100. It'll be a shame to vote it off because my jazz-rock vote's likely going to be Hot Rats. __________________ I'm a pretty nice troll if you ask me.