The Headhunters

Live From Brooklyn Bowl

Release Date: August 11, 2023

Few bands can claim a history as remarkable and illustrious as The Headhunters. Originating in 1973 under the visionary leadership of renowned musician Herbie Hancock, the band quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Comprising percussionist Bill Summers, bassist Paul Jackson, saxophonist Bennie Maupin and Harvey Mason, who was soon replaced by legendary drummer Mike Clark, each member brought their unique talents to the table, forging a timeless legacy that surpasses the dreams of most musical ensembles. By blending jazz, funk, and rock, The Headhunters created a sound that resonated with audiences worldwide, selling over a million albums and inspiring musicians across genres for generations. Their music was even sampled by hundreds of hip-hop artists throughout the '80s and '90s, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary music.

Today, The Headhunters' impact remains a global phenomenon, with their time alongside Hancock serving as a transformative experience. The band went on to release six more full-length albums. They ventured out on their own, free from Hancock's involvement, producing standout albums such as "Survival of the Fittest" in 1975 and "Straight from the Gate" in 1977. The band reunited with Herbie in 1998 for “Return of The Headhunters” and subsequent released albums “Evolution Revolution” in 2003 and “Platinum” in 2011. The Headhunters’ latest studio release “Speakers In The House” came out November 4th, 2022 to international acclaim through Ropeadope Records in association with Devil Hills Entertainment. 

Now co-led by original members Bill Summers on percussion Mike Clark on drums complemented by the talents of some of New Orleans' finest musicians: Kyle Roussel on keys, Donald Harrison on alto saxophone, and Chris Severin on seven-string bass. These lifelong friends have shaped the band into a musical powerhouse. In celebration of their eponymous album's 50th anniversary, the band embarked on a world tour in early 2023.

The journey began with a monumental performance meticulously recorded at the iconic Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg, New York, on February 9th, 2023. Showcasing the band's incredible live energy, this momentous occasion was masterfully captured and subsequently mixed and mastered in New Orleans by the talented Keenan McRae. The result is an extraordinary live album that encapsulates the essence of The Headhunters' artistry.

The album features an array of their greatest hits, including the iconic tracks "Watermelon Man," "Chameleon," "Butterfly," and the latest original "Rocking At The Mole House" from studio album "Speakers In The House.”

“We live this every day. We have some secrets to give to the youth of the world. We’re not musicians, we are physicians - we heal people.”(Bill Summers)

With their 50th-anniversary live album, The Headhunters invite both loyal fans and new listeners to experience their groundbreaking sound in its raw and electrifying form. This release not only pays homage to their incredible journey but also serves as a testament to their enduring musical legacy. The band is scheduled to return to Europe and Canada this Fall and tour internationally in 2024.

Executive Producers – Bill Summers, Mike Clark
Drums, Vocals – Mike Clark
Percussion, Vocals – Bill Summers
Alto Saxophone, Vocals – Donald Harrison
Keyboards – Kyle Roussel
Bass – Chris Severin

Live Recording Engineer - Eric McRoberts
Mixing, Mastering Engineer – Keenan McRae
Artwork – Scott Williams

Recorded live on February 9th, 2023 @ Brooklyn Bowl - Williamsburg, NY
Mixed & Mastered at Artspace 3116, New Orleans, LA

The Headhunters release “Speakers In The House,” their first new album since 2011

Back in the early 70’s, drummer Mike Clark and bassist Paul Jackson were best friends, living in East Oakland, playing flatbed gigs at Black Panther rallies and generally raising hell. Cooking was not their forte, so the barbecue joint next door became a hangout. Mrs Jones (of Everett and Jones) asked them to write a song to promote the spot, and they came up with the first version of  ‘God Made Me Funky.’ Bill Summers worked with Jackson at the local record store, and he jumped at an opportunity to open a show for Herbie Hancock in the Bay Area. He got the call to audition for Herbie’s band, joining Herbie for the album “Headhunters“ and many more.

Hancock took a new turn in the 70’s, handpicking a new band and sound that would ‘take some more of the earth and feel a little more tethered’. The result was the first platinum selling Jazz album in history. The lineup on that first album: Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson, Harvey Mason, and Bill Summers. Mike Clark replaced Mason afterwards, and the lineup continued on several key Herbie Hancock releases such as “Thrust” and “Flood.”

Mike Clark and Bill Summers are two of a kind - they share a love for music that never dies. The pair kept The Headhunters alive, releasing two albums in “Survival of the Fittest” in 1975 and “Straight From The Gate” in 1977 with Herbie as featured guest. The chemistry between them is undeniable: They have persevered for over 40 years through industry setbacks, the death of band members, and more, to stay true to their mission with the same energy and zeal that the music demands.

“We’re not in a gym, this isn’t a competition… this is art. What Bill and I and The Headhunters do is experience the moment and explore. After the count, we’re in that moment and there is no other. This is an act of passion, of love for humanity, and for our planet.” -Mike Clark

“We live this every day. We have some secrets to give to the youth of the world. We’re not musicians, we are physicians - we heal people.” - Bill Summers

11 years after their last release, The Headhunters are set to release “Speakers In The House,” a new full length album featuring Summers, Clark, NEA Jazz master Donald Harrison, Stephen Gordon, bassist Reggie Washington, and organist Jerry Z. The album also features Scott Roberts and Fode Sissoko on kora. The Headhunters spirit is alive and well on the album, which fuses the band’s African and New Orleans influences with their ever-present technical jazz-funk, rooted in music history and growing in the present moment.

‘We’ve always made a statement as The Headhunters, and I’m looking at our longevity. Every time we’ve dropped notes on the wax, it has value, and can influence people and change lives.” - Bill Summers

“Speakers In The House” is set for release on November 4, 2022.

For more information, contact Greg Lucas at Devil Hills Entertainment: greglucas@devilhillsent.com