10 Best Instrumental Rock Music Albums Of All Time
8. Headhunters - Herbie Hancock
Not exactly a left-turn, but certainly a step into new territory and a giant leap forward commercially for pianist Herbie Hancock, 1973's exceptional Headhunters brought jazz-rock-funk into the mainstream. Hancock, of course, was by this time a huge name in the jazz world, thanks to his position alongside Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter and Tony Williams as part of Miles Davis' second great quintet.
From 1964 to 1968, Hancock played on some of Davis' finest records, including the trumpeter's first explorations of jazz-rock. By the time of Headhunters, Hancock had already released many fine solo albums, from straight-up jazz to jazz-rock fusions.
It was on this 1973 album, however, that it all came together, seamlessly blending irresistible funk grooves with ear-catching melodies and fine playing from Hancock, Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson, Harvey Mason and Bill Summers. Featuring just four extended tracks, including the now-famous Watermelon Man, Headhunters offers up a wild, crazy trip full of mesmerizing rhythms and swirling melodies. An examination of Hancock's incredible career will lead you to many more wonderful discoveries.