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

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