Originally released in 1975 as a double live album, recorded and initially released only in Japan. Flood admirably documents Hancock's Headhunters-period in a concert setting. The tunes are mostly culled from the recom... more »mended studio albums Headhunters, Thrust and Man-Child, with an excellent remodeling of 'Maiden Voyage' opening the program.« less
Originally released in 1975 as a double live album, recorded and initially released only in Japan. Flood admirably documents Hancock's Headhunters-period in a concert setting. The tunes are mostly culled from the recommended studio albums Headhunters, Thrust and Man-Child, with an excellent remodeling of 'Maiden Voyage' opening the program.
"DO NOT listen to Herbie Hancock's live "Flood" album in one sitting-particularly the closing 20 minute "Hang Up Your Hang Up's" where a tight groove from his "Manchild" album
is drawn out into a heavy.funky freak-out where the drums,horns and even Herbie's key's are each given a wild,dintinct solo space within an extended groove.Another surprize is the the
clavinet-free "Actuall Proof" where the grand piano replaces
the electronic instruments used on the studio version.The opening "Maiden Voyage" offers a similar lead as the Headhunters
come firmly to grips with a smooth post-bop style.Amazingly every number from Hancock's funk period are given slightly more
acoustic,very different musical treatments and that quality is what makes "Flood" a true funk ovedrload!"
I give this one so many stars it would light up the world!!
Daddy-o | Beatsville, USA | 10/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am completely 100% biased- as I am a HUGE Headhunters fan with and without Herbie. I agree with some other reviewers in that you definately need to check out "Headhunters", "Thrust" and "Man-Child" before you get this slab of funkified goodness!! I searched for many moons to get my ears on this and I would have searched many more. The band stretches these songs out like a rubber band and just when you think it's over they bring the beat back and slap it upside your head-DAMN!! WHAT WAS THAT!! The sound is crispy clean, the songs are choice cuts from the above mentioned albums and the players- Mr. Paul jackson on funky bass, Mike Clark the ultimate funky drummer, Bill Summers congas & percussion, Bennie Maupin sax clarinet flute & percussion and Mr. Herbie Hancock piano clavinet & synthesizer. If you are into jazz, funk, fusion, rock & roll, reggae, or any type of music you need this in your collection-no matter what the cost is!!"
Flood is a hurricane of ninja-like jazz/funk skills!!!!!!!!!
J. Cliburn | P-Town, OR | 09/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Flood is in most ways BETTER than the original studio recordings of the same tunes. The live energy is intense and engaging...at the same time, the quality of sound and performance are flawless (mostly). This is the pinnacle of funk. Herbie is a BMF!!!! The rest of the group is SLAMMIN'!!!!!! If you fancy yourself a funk musician, you MUST have these recordings...MUST!
6 Stars out of 5!!!!!!!!!!
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Monumental jams!
Kyle Mole | U.K. | 12/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the solo sailing of 'Maiden Voyage,' you can tell is the sound of Herbie and the Band on top form. 'Spank a Lee' really grooves, and that's before Herbie has even taken to the stage!
Mike Clark provides some seriously clean and chakaboom style licks. Every track cooks, and differs rythmically from their studio predecessors, making it even more of a joy, especially if you've been listening to them for over 10 years!!!!
The best Live Herbie/Headhunters CD around for sure!"