The Headhunters

This 1977 outing is an upbeat funk set that may remind some listeners more of the soulful jazz-funk style of early Earth, Wind & Fire than the more experimental, earlier, Headhunters LPs with erstwhile frontman Herbie Hancock. The little known Paul Potyen is an adept keyboard replacement for Herbie (Potyen even plays straight jazz solos on occasion) and this band never does less than cook. The songs definitely have an upbeat, universal vibe that is similar to Roy Ayers' work of the era and the sound of future British acid jazz groups like the Brand New Heavies and Swing Out Sister.