The current members of The Headhunters are (from left) Big Chief Donald Harrison on alto sax, founding percussionist Bill Summers, drummer Mike Clark, Chris Severin on six-string bass, and Kyle Roussel on keyboards. The group recently performed at Hamilton Live in D.C. (Courtesy of Rick Swig)
The current members of The Headhunters are (from left) Big Chief Donald Harrison on alto sax, founding percussionist Bill Summers, drummer Mike Clark, Chris Severin on six-string bass, and Kyle Roussel on keyboards. The group recently performed at Hamilton Live in D.C. (Courtesy of Rick Swig)

Earlier this year, Herbie Hancock announced a reunion tour of The Headhunters, the jazz group that set the music charts on fire with their self-titled album “Head Hunters” (note the slightly different spelling between the group name and the album name), released in 1973. 

The original Headhunters were Herbie Hancock (keyboards), Harvey Mason (drums), Paul Jackson (bass), Bennie Maupin (saxophone), and Bill Summers (percussion). Over time, musicians moved in and out of the group. 

The current iteration of The Headhunters performed recently at Hamilton Live in Northwest D.C. The group consisted of founding percussionist Bill Summers, drummer Mike Clark, Big Chief Donald Harrison on alto sax, Kyle Roussel on keyboards, and Chris Severin on six-string bass. Each group member was allowed to stretch out with engaging solo features. 

The banter between Summers and Clark provided historical tidbits about the significance of the album “Head Hunters” and how the group has evolved over the years.

This tour is more than a reunion, it’s a tribute. When the album was released in 1973, who knew what its impact would be? The tight band brought back memories from 51 years ago and shared a sound that is still relevant. 

When the audience heard that unmistakable opening bass on “Chameleon,” it was on! 

It was a surprise to see the African flute at the beginning of “Watermelon Man” was actually Summers blowing into a beer bottle, followed by more bass. 

With more than 50 years since the album was released, “Head Hunters” still has a distinct vibe, loved by many, which is probably why it has been sampled so much.

In 2007, the Library of Congress added the album “Head Hunters” to the National Recording Registry, which collects “culturally, historically or aesthetically important” sound recordings from the 20th century. 

“Head Hunters”  has been a critical contribution to the music world. The current group’s forthcoming LP, “The Stunt Man,” is due for release on Oct. 11 via Ropeadope Records.

Brenda Siler is an award-winning journalist and public relations strategist. Her communications career began in college as an advertising copywriter, a news reporter, public affairs producer/host and a...

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