4 Herbie Hancock

Thrust

COLUMBIA, 1974

You say: “Often overshadowed by Head Hunters, but it’s even better, for my money.” Dave Mandl, via Twitter

Inspired by Sly Stone, Buddhist chanting, African Hindewhu rhythms and The Pointer Sisters, Hancock’s next direction put the emphasis on “straight-up funk”. Retaining Bennie Maupin on sax, but with percussionist Bill Summers, bassist Paul Jackson and a brace of different drummers this new quartet were, said Hancock, “lighter, more playful, earthy, playful.” Live, they gradually metamorphosed into a jazz-funk fusion supergroup, going platinum with their first LP, Head Hunters. But this follow-up is the one to seek. Structured more around Mike Clark’s drums than Jackson’s bass, this is Head Hunters but harder, faster, darker, heavier; inspired more by 1974 Miles Davis than 1969 Sly Stone.