FLOOD

3.5 stars. I feel like this double live album should be rated a lot higher but I'm not helping here with my 3 stars. Released in 1975 we get seven tracks with two from "Head Hunters" and three from the previous year's "Thrust" making up the bulk of this recording. The music is from two concerts they did in Japan on June 28 and July 1, 1975. A six piece with Hancock, Maupin, Jackson, Summers, Clark and McKnight. So yes we get our share of funk here especially on "Chameleon".

"Maiden Voyage" is a classy tune which really isn't my thing as we get flute and piano dominating. Love the drumming on "Actual Proof" but a top two has to include "Spank-A-Lee" from "Thrust". Maupin makes his presence known early as the guitar comes and goes. Hancock is announced during the song after 3 minutes and proceeds to rip it up on the clavinet. So much going on 5 minutes in to the end. So impressive. "Butterfly" is okay as Herbie announces "A pretty tune for the beautiful ladies of Tokyo." Mellow stuff. The almost 20 minute closer from "Man-Child" called "Hang Up Your Hang Ups" is the other top two. I don't have that album but man I like this track.

It's just not quite a four star record for me and man how good would a live album of their "Mwandishi" period be Mr. Hancock? Would have been pretty awesome, but if your big on the "Head Hunters" period you should enjoy this.