Flood cover
Released

A Japan-only double live album from the height of Hancock’s funk-fusion period, this kicks off with a solo piano version of “Maiden Voyage,” but after that it’s all groove from an expanded version of the Headhunters. The music gets tighter, harder and heavier with every track, and peaks with a stomping, squelching, 10-minute version of “Chameleon” on which Bennie Maupin does his best imitation of James Brown saxophonist Robert “Chopper” McCullough, and a nearly 20-minute version of “Hang Up Your Hang Ups” where Mike Clark’s groove is so taut and ferocious it’ll make your spine fuse.

Phil Freeman

Recommended by

Suggestions
Under the Sun cover

Under the Sun

Human Arts Ensemble
Richter 858 cover

Richter 858

Bill Frisell
Remembrance cover

Remembrance

John Patitucci
World Tour cover

World Tour

Joe Zawinul
Black Rock cover

Black Rock

The Bar-Kays
The Almighty cover

The Almighty

Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few
Connect cover

Connect

Charles Tolliver