It's been awhile...but Meinl Percussion artist Bill Summers and The Headhunters are back in action.
The storied jazz/funk/fusion band, the Headhunters, are currently finalizing tracks for Platinum, a CD set for release early next year on the Owl Studios label. The disc will feature guest appearances by several intriguing names, including Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, Killah Priest, and Del the Funky Homosapien. In the meantime, the legendary band will embark on a U.S. tour in November. (See dates, venues and cities below.)
Of the new album and the new year, not-overly modest Headhunters percussionist Bill Summers says: “2011 will mark the beginning of a new movement in music and jazz — the true fusion of hip hop, jazz, rap, salsa, rock, New Orleans, African rhythm and its classical forms. The Headhunters are steeped in the funk and jazz traditions. The groove is undeniable and the layers of rhythm, melody and spoken word in this release will raise the bar and set a benchmark for the world to follow. The truth of the matter is, we respect all forms of music and see a place in this unusual musical tapestry for every form of modern and ancient music forms. The project is entitled Platinum. For some this is an award presented to those who achieve a feat of reaching one million units sold and certified. For us, Platinum is a self-proclamation of achievement for creating a project deserving of recognition, and will be heard and appreciated by the millions of listeners worldwide.”
The Headhunters were founded in 1973 and served as the supporting band for Herbie Hancock’s 12th studio album, Head Hunters, which became one of the best-selling jazz records ever. The Headhunters went on to record a handful of additional albums with Hancock, and they’ve also released a couple of winning platters on their own.
Here’s the November tour itinerary. (The shows, by the way, will include performances of tracks from the upcoming album.)
November 3, Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, New York
November 4, Club Metronome, Burlington, Vermont
November 5, Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton, Massachusetts
November 6, Northstar Bar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 7, Rose Live Music, Brooklyn, New York
November 9, Castaways, Ithaca, New York
November 10, Asylum, Portland, Maine
November 11, Church, Boston, Massachusetts,
November 19, Sun Music Hall, Floyd, Virginia
November 21, The Grey Eagle, Asheville, North Carolina
