Herbie Hancock

"Chameleon" was composed by Herbie Hancock, Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson, and Harvey Mason. Released on the groundbreaking 1973 Head Hunters, this 15-minute epic helped pioneer the jazz-funk fusion genre. The original recording featured masterful solos from Hancock and Maupin. In August 2024, Hancock celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Head Hunters album at the Hollywood Bowl with original recording artists and Marcus Miller. Musically, the song is built on a hypnotic two-chord vamp: a i-IV progression in B♭ Dorian (B♭m7 and E♭7). This modal approach, common in funk music, creates a mesmerizing groove that allows for extended improvisation. Hancock innovatively played the signature 12-note bass line on an ARP Odyssey synthesizer, marking one of the first uses of a synthesizer as a bass instrument in jazz. He also performed one of the keyboard solos on the ARP, while the other keyboard solo showcased the warm, electric sound of the Fender Rhodes piano. The commercial success of Chameleon was remarkable for an instrumental jazz piece, reaching number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 18 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles charts in 1974. This crossover success helped establish jazz-funk as a viable commercial genre and influenced countless musicians across multiple genres. The composition's innovative arrangement features several groundbreaking elements: A funkified 12-note bass line that has become one of the most recognized in modern music Harvey Mason's sophisticated yet groove-heavy drums The minimalist but effective two-chord structure A deceptively simple yet memorable melody played by Bennie Maupin on the horns Hancock's multi-layered keyboard work was revolutionary - he played all the synthesizer parts himself, including the bass line, lead solos, and textural elements. The use of a Hohner Clavinet, creating a sound similar to a rhythm guitar, added another layer of funk to the track's thick texture. This innovative use of electronic instruments alongside traditional jazz instruments helped bridge the gap between jazz, funk, and electronic music.