Herbie Hancock Thrust-like albums

[bassicmelodies]

I'm really digging this fusion progressive funk, I'm curious as to if there is a whole lot out there that is similar. I'm trying to get a hold of some Cobham's Spectrum, it's supposedly in the same region of sonic experiences.

Any other suggestions? Thanks so much.

[Daveomd]

Paul Jackson is rediculously funky. I haven't heard anything else in the jazz realm that compares, so I am interested in hearing some good suggestions, too. Of course Herbie's "Headhunters" is a classic, but I think "Thrust" takes it to another level. If you haven't heard "Secrets", "Man Child" or the live album, "Flood", they all have some great moments.

[JimK]

Originally Posted by bassicmelodies

I'm trying to get a hold of some Cobham's Spectrum, it's supposedly in the same region of sonic experiences.

I may prefer Cobham's Total Eclipse or Crosswinds over Spectrum.

Dave has some good suggestions...Jackson & Clarke/Mason are a unique combo.

Some other Funk-Jazz from that era-
Weather Report, at times...like "Cucumber Slumber" w/ Alphonso Johnson.
Eddie Henderson's Sunburst album...guys like George Duke, Alphonso Johnson, Buster Williams are some of the sidemen.
You can also check out "Silly Putty" from Stanley Clarke...& maybe some cuts from Blow By Blow by Jeff Beck.

[KJung]

I've never heard anything else similar to Thrust. That is a unique rhythm section. Amazing... they don't sound like anybody else... period.

If you like Spectrum (cool disc, and it is even better if you load it on an MP3 player so you can eliminate the very dated sounding drum intro's to every song), Jeff Beck's 'Blow by Blow' was from the same era, and is a great example of what I think of as 'funk rock fusion'. Nothing like Thrust, but killer in its own way.

Of course, while the tunes/vocals are a bit on the cheesy side to me (IMO there), the Tower of Power stuff has that amazing 'fingerfunk' type vibe from the amazing Rocco Prestia. There is a somewhat recent live disc (within the last 10 years or so anyway) that is just killer (edit: Soul Vaccination Live: 1997... probably the best single documentation of classic Tower of Power IMO if you were to only buy one disc).

[KJung]

And... you don't typically hear bands covering the Thrust stuff, since most bassist/drummers (including me!) can't begin to play in that style and at that level.

Here's a Youtube clip of my buddy Jason Phelps (TBer Vision) with a band he works with doing 'Actual Proof' and just KILLING it.

Kind of cool to see it performed live. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMzVBOz9xLM

Edit: To the OP... you might want to PM Vision, since he has really gone to school on this type of stuff... he might be able to give you some good additional recommendations.

[markjazzbassist]

i also love thrust and herbie's other 70's records. that jazz-funk combo is just killer. to quote the mighty boosh "the visceral groove of funk with the free improvisation of jazz".

here's some artists

herbie hancock
the headhunters (without herbie)
the crusaders
jeff beck
billy cobham
eddie henderson
miles davis - electric stuff
donald byrd
lonnie liston smith

newer stuff

rudder
uri caine & bedrock

[chicago_mike]

Thrust and the previous mwndishi quartet with Buster WIlliams...takes me back to my pre-college days.

[bassbrad]

Lenny White's 1st 3 solo CDs are in that vein "Venusian Summer" "Big City" and especially "The Adventures of The Astral Pirates".

[KJung]

Originally Posted by bassbrad

Lenny White's 1st 3 solo CDs are in that vein "Venusian Summer" "Big City" and especially "The Adventures of The Astral Pirates".

+1 Lenny brought the funk to fusion. Even his work on Romantic Warrior with Chick is groovin' like crazy.

[RHFusillo]

Originally Posted by KJung

I've never heard anything else similar to Thrust. That is a unique rhythm section. Amazing... they don't sound like anybody else... period.

Agreed. Paul Jackson & Mike Clark were a funk rhythm section that played as freely as a "freebop" rhythm section. Thrust was one of those albums that pointed to possibilities that were never realized.

[bassicmelodies]

Thanks so much for the references. I'll be busy checking all this out. As for TOP, is there an album that stands out above the rest?

[JimK]

I still prefer the earliest TOP albums (1970-1974-ish)...the 1st 5 releases to be exact (up to Urban Renewal).

TOP's David Garibaldi & The Headhunters' Mike Clarke musta drank the same Bay Area water.

[rulyøngo]

Originally Posted by bassbrad

Lenny White's 1st 3 solo CDs are in that vein "Venusian Summer" "Big City" and especially "The Adventures of The Astral Pirates".

+1