On November 4th 2022, The Headhunters released Speakers In The House, the legendary jazz-funk ensemble’s first new album in 11 years. Co-lead by percussionist Bill Summers and drummer Mike Clark with support from NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison on alto saxophone, The Headhunters latest studio effort arrives just in time to celebrate this American music institution’s 50th anniversary in 2023, having formed around Herbie Hancock’s classic recording, Head Hunters, in 1973. Few bands can boast a history as fortuitous and storied as The Headhunters. That history began back in 1973 when iconic musician Herbie Hancock formed the band featuring saxophonist/clarinetist Bennie Maupin, bassist Paul Jackson Jr., drummer Harvey Mason and percussionist Bill Summers. What each member of The Headhunters brought to the table helped forge a timeless legacy and history that most bands can only dream of. Their blend of jazz with funk and rock would go on to sell over a million albums worldwide, while the band’s legacy would inspire musicians of every genre for years to come, be sampled by various hip-hop artists throughout the ’80s and ’90s, and influence countless musicians’ styles of playing today. The Headhunters impact remains a global phenomenon, and their time with Hancock proved to be a life changing experience. The band has released six more full-length albums adding drummer Mike Clark in 1974, and stepping out on their own sans Hancock’s involvement on Survival of the Fittest in 1975 and on Straight from the Gate in 1977. The eight-track album, available on Ropeadope Records/Devil Hills Entertainment, includes the New Orleans’ second-line grooves of “Rockin At The Mole House,” the world music-influenced jazz-fusion of “Kongo Square” and a modern post-bop re-magination of the classic Headhunters’ composition “Actual Proof,” first released on Hancock’s 1974 album, Thrust. Joining Summers, Clark and Harrison for the recording are keyboardist Stephen Gordon and bassist Reggie Washington plus featured guests Jerry Z on organ, “One Drop” Scott Roberts on drums, Fode Sissoko on kora and Ashlin Parker on trumpet. The current line-up features percussionist Bill Summers, drummer Mike Clark, bassist Chris Severin, saxophonist Donald Harrison and pianist Kyle Roussel. “What Bill and I and The Headhunters do is experience the moment and explore,” explains Mike Clark. “We’re not in a gym, this isn’t a competition. This is art. We’re in that moment and there is no other. The Headhunters is an act of passion, of love for humanity, and for our planet.” “We live this every day. We have some secrets to give to the youth of the world. We’re not musicians, we are physicians. We heal people,” adds Bill Summers. “We’ve always made a statement as The Headhunters. Every time we’ve dropped notes on wax, it’s had value and the ability to positively influence people and change lives.” __ ZeyZey Miami: A family-friendly cultural hub and concert venue, welcoming fans of all ages to enjoy live music, delicious food from local chefs, and a full beverage program featuring seasonal craft cocktails, natural wines, local beer, and thoughtful non-alcoholic options. Please note: For our late-night shows, admission is 18+ unless noted otherwise on our Shotgun page. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. We appreciate your understanding and can’t wait to see you at a show! Doors open at 5pm! + Happy Hour Food & Drink specials from 5pm - 6pm! AGE RESTRICTION This event is 18+ PERFORMANCE LINE UP The Headhunters + More to be announced! IMPORTANT: All ticket sales are final - all ticket prices include sales tax + platform fees LOUNGES / VIP AREAS / BOTTLE SERVICE Table Reservations can be made by purchasing one of the VIP TABLES listed on Tablelist.com ** Please note that table availability is limited ** DISCOUNTS Newsletter Subscriber Tickets: MUST FOLLOW OUR SHOTGUN PAGE, SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & PUSH NOTIFICATIONS. Join our ZeyZey Fan Perk Club for first access to select shows + exclusive content! Join via link: (https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbZNyaIGKjR7id4h/) PARKING Ride shares are encouraged. Limited, free public parking is available across from ZeyZey’s main entrance (61st Street and 4th Ave) Book your next event! email: zeyzey@grassfedculture.com Visit https://zeyzeymiami.com for monthly lineup and more information. ________________________________________________________________________ Please be advised that photos and videos will be taken at the event for all ZeyZey marketing platforms. By entering this event, you consent to ZeyZey’s photos and videos and to the venue using your image and likeness. Events at ZeyZey may contain flashing lights and strobe effects which can affect photosensitive individuals.
Few bands can claim a history as remarkable and illustrious as The Headhunters. Originating in 1973 under the visionary leadership of renowned musician Herbie Hancock, the band quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Comprising percussionist Bill Summers, bassist Paul Jackson, saxophonist Bennie Maupin and Harvey Mason, who was soon replaced by legendary drummer Mike Clark, each member brought their unique talents to the table, forging a timeless legacy that surpasses the dreams of most musical ensembles. By blending jazz, funk, and rock, The Headhunters created a sound that resonated with audiences worldwide, selling over a million albums and inspiring musicians across genres for generations. Their music was even sampled by hundreds of hip-hop artists throughout the ’80s and ’90s, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary music.
Today, The Headhunters’ impact remains a global phenomenon, with their time alongside Hancock serving as a transformative experience. The band went on to release six more full-length albums. They ventured out on their own, free from Hancock’s involvement, producing standout albums such as “Survival of the Fittest” in 1975 and “Straight from the Gate” in 1977. The band reunited with Herbie in 1998 for “Return of The Headhunters” and subsequent released albums “Evolution Revolution” in 2003 and “Platinum” in 2011.
Now co-led by original members Bill Summers on percussion Mike Clark on drums complemented by the talents of some of New Orleans’ finest musicians: Kyle Roussel on keys, Donald Harrison on alto saxophone, and Chris Severin on seven-string bass. These lifelong friends have shaped the band into a musical powerhouse.
The Stunt Man is The Headhunters new studio album out on Ropeadope October 11th, 2024. Recorded at the legendary Hyde Street Studios in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco in August 2023, The Stunt Man features seven songs spanning the genre-bending repertoire of the 50 year old ensemble. The album was produced by Mike Clark, Bill Summers and Hyde Street resident engineer Chris McGrew.
Starting out with the funk synth-driven ripping title track The Stunt Man (due out as a single on August 16th), the album also features originals Sand Castle Headhunters written by Harrison, and Attitude of Gratitude written by Roussel. Two timeless jazz standards Embraceable You by George Gershwin and ESP by Wayne Shorter are reimagined in energetic new ways. Clark is featured on his jazz drums in space track Avant Clark and fellow Ropeadope label mates Forward Back join the band and closes the album with a hip hop collaboration entitled New Levels - New Devils.