The Headhunters Bring ‘The Stunt Man’ Gems & Herbie Hancock Classic To KEXP
Watch the legendary ensemble perform “Watermelon Man” and three cuts from their latest album.
By Scott Bernstein Dec 3, 2024 • 1:40 pm PST
Legendary jazz-fusion band The Headhunters swung by the studios of Seattle independent radio station KEXP back in September. Video of the quintet’s four-song session has been posted on YouTube and can be viewed below.
The 50-year-old ensemble which evolved out of recording on Herbie Hancock's seminal albums Head Hunters, Thrust, Flood and Man Child features original members Bill Summers on percussion and drummer Mike Clark along with saxophonist Donald Harrison, keyboardist Kyle Roussel and bassist Chris Severin. The Headhunters released their latest album, The Stunt Man, on October 11 via Ropeadope.
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Material from The Stunt Man is the focus of The Headhunters’ KEXP set. The band opened with the album’s “ESP,” a composition written by Wayne Shorter. Next came the funky title track ahead of the George Gershwin-penned “Embraceable You.” The Headhunters closed out the session with a stellar version of Hancock’s “Watermelon Man.”
Host Larry Mizell, Jr. spoke with The Headhunters about their illustrious career and new album following the performance. Bill Summers explained where his iconic intro to “Watermelon Man” came from before Mike Clark discussed the genesis of The Stunt Man.
Watch The Headhunters’ Live On KEXP sessions below:
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