So now we know!
"The image on Herbie Hancock’s 1973 Head Hunters album cover is based on an African mask that is associated with the Baoulé tribe from the Ivory Coast. It's used in times of danger, during epidemics or at funeral ceremonies. The image also resembles the tape head demagnetizer used on reel-to-reel audio tape recording equipment at the time of this recording."
Designer Victor Moscoso brilliantly bridged the cultural gap between indigenous tribal rhythms and electro-funk by creating this unforgettable image.
The sonic and optic impact this album had back in '73 is impossible to appreciate in this diminished age. It leaped from the racks and slapped you upside yo haid in a post-psychedelic day-glo dazzle. I was, like, literally, what the actual fuck? I was literally! Like! For once, the music was as shockingly new as the cover, and as effortlessly creative and ground-breakingly commercial. Look, let's face it, jazz is mostly boring as shit. And Herbie Hancock playing the fucking piano is as boring as shit gets. But when he followed Miles' [Davis - jazz trumpeter - Ed.] advice and sat on his left hand he became this dancin' shaman o' funk. The album isn't really a Herbie album - he's part of the Headhunters, one of the greatest bands of all time. This is timeless, beautiful, joyous and funky music for whatever godforsaken age you're living in. For those with any stuff left at all, now is the time to strut it.
This post funded in part by Solly And Sarah Sebag's Scent Center©, Sebum City, SD
Please do avail your bad self of this opportunity to state for the record that you think Thrust is at least as good, if not better.
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