It’s 1975 and this is prime fusion-era Herbie – but this time with more of a funk influence. It’s very hard to find music like this in today’s scene, but back in the mid-seventies every label was riding the experimental bandwagon. Believe it or not, this was Herbie’s 15th studio album. This album was originally released on CBS, but this is a 2013 speakers corner reissue and it sounds fantastic. Herbie is accompanied by an awesome band complete with a killer horn section.
What an opening number with Hang Up Your Hang Ups, the funkiest of riffs you will ever hear that leads into a superb soul/fusion funk fest. Sun Touch is a more traditional style smooth jazz number. It’s superbly played and is so clear. Side 1 closes out with The Traitor, a very funky affair accentuated from the start with that groovy bass line. Bubbles is a super laid back slow groove – a great late night tune to chill to. Steppin’ In It is pure funk driven by the bass and keyboard groove, and the horns are just superb. Heartbeat closes out the album and this is a full on funk/fusion fest. Great playing from the whole band. I say band, as this would be the last Headhunters album. I love this style of music and this period in particular.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
